New Holland Canadian U-20 Championships coming to Rivière-du-Loup, Que., in 2027

The next generation of Canadian curling stars will be heading to Rivière-du-Loup, Que., in 2027, as the city has been named host of the New Holland Canadian U-20 Curling Championships, it was announced today by Curling Canada.

The event, from March 20-27, will be held at Stade de la Cité des Jeunes and Curling Rivière-du-Loup, marking the first time the national curling championship will be held in the city.

“The New Holland Canadian U-20 Championships play a vital role in developing young athletes in Canada. They will get so much out of the event through both the high-level competition on the ice and the camaraderie off it, meeting similar athletes on their podium pathway journey,” said Curling Canada CEO Nolan Thiessen. “Rivière-du-Loup’s bid showed a community with proven success in hosting top-level competitions, and we can’t wait to see the experience they deliver in 2027.”

This will be the first time Rivière-du-Loup has hosted a Canadian curling championship. Teams from all provinces and territories – a total of 36 teams in all (18 of each gender) – are expected to compete at the 2027 New Holland Canadian U-20 Curling Championships.

“For the past decade, New Holland has had the honour to play a role in the growth of Canada’s next generation of curlers. Across the country, our dealer network joins us in the excitement of continuing our support for the New Holland Canadian Under-20 Championships”, said Aimee Culbert, New Holland Brand Strategy Manager. “We’re confident that Rivière-du-Loup will deliver an outstanding event that reflects the passion and pride of the city and its curling community.”

Curling Rivière-du-Loup, one of Quebec’s newest curling facilities, opened its doors in 2020. The three-sheet club, with its state-of-the-art ice plant, overlooks the St. Lawrence River and the north shore, offering a picturesque setting for athletes and fans.

Directly below the curling club is Stade de la Cité des Jeunes, a recently renovated twin-pad arena that played host to the Jeux du Québec in 2023. The multi-purpose facility is home to hockey, speed skating, and other activities, and it previously housed curling before the construction of the new club. Together, the two venues will provide an outstanding stage for Canada’s best young curlers.

“Rivière-du-Loup is excited to welcome the New Holland Canadian U-20 Curling Championships in March 2027. Our city and community will be ready to welcome the athletes from across the country, and we look forward to bringing the national championship to our city,” said Rivière-du-Loup Mayor Mario Bastille. “Our municipality is highly skilled at hosting major sporting events, and Rivière-du-Loup offers ample accommodation options to host everyone comfortably.”

Curling Rivière-du-Loup hosted the 2020 Quebec U-21 Championships and is an annual stop on the mixed doubles curling tour.

“Curling Riviere-du-Loup is extremely excited to host the future stars of our sport. We are committed to hosting an incredible event for both athletes and fans. We are looking forward to hosting Canada in our town and in the region of Bas-Saint-Laurent,” said host committee co-chair – and 2023 Canadian senior and 2024 world senior curling champion – Peter Burgess.

The Canadian Under-20 Men’s Championship has been contested annually since 1950, with the inaugural event taking place just south along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec City. The first Canadian Junior Under-20 Women’s Championship was played in 1971 in Vancouver. The events were combined in 1987 at Prince Albert, Sask.

Quebec has hosted the Canadian U-20 Curling Championships four times: 1993 at Trois-Rivières, 2010 at Sorel-Tracy, 2018 at Shawinigan, and 2023 at Rouyn-Noranda.

Separately, the men’s event was hosted in 1950 at Quebec City, 1960 at Rouyn-Noranda, and 1970 at Saint-Jérôme. The women’s event was hosted in 1973 in Montreal and in 1986 at Rouyn-Noranda.

Quebec women’s teams have won one Canadian U-20 championship, led by Team Marie-France Larouche in 1999. Most recently, Quebec’s Team Jolianne Fortin is coming off a runner-up appearance at last season’s New Holland U-20 Championship.

Quebec men’s teams have reached the top of the podium three times: Team Denis Marchand in 1980, Team Michel Ferland in 1992, and Team William Dion in 2008.

“Having represented Quebec at this event four times, I’m aware of the hard work and dedication it takes to qualify and compete at the New Holland Canadian Under-20 Championships,” said Curling Quebec Executive Director Alanna Routledge. “The curling community in Rivière-du-Loup is excited to get planning underway and will make sure this event is memorable for all the athletes competing.”

Teams from Alberta have won a leading 18 U-20 men’s titles, while Saskatchewan is second with 14. In women’s, Alberta boasts a leading 12 victories, followed by Saskatchewan with 11.