Hockey Canada jerseys in a local rink (File Photo)
The Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC) has released the Economic Impact Report for Hockey Canada’s 2025 U17 World Challenge, confirming the international tournament generated $3.6 million in total economic activity across Nova Scotia, including $1.9 million in direct visitor spending.
Held from October 31 to November 8, 2025, the RECC served as the primary host venue, with Amherst and Wolfville supporting the tournament by hosting exhibition games.
This helped extend economic and community benefits across the region.
Over the course of the event, more than 17,000 tickets were issued, drawing athletes, families, team officials, NHL scouts, media, and hockey fans from across Canada and internationally.
Visitor spending supported local accommodations, restaurants, transportation services, retail businesses, and tourism-related services, with the majority of economic activity concentrated in the Truro area and surrounding communities.
Hosting the 2025 U17 World Challenge marked a significant milestone for the RECC, completing a “hat trick” of major Hockey Canada events following the successful 2017 and 2023 World Junior A Challenges.
“Events of this scale truly take a whole community,” said Michael Smith, VP Business Operations at the RECC. “The economic results outlined in this report, combined with the lasting community and reputational benefits, demonstrate the value of hosting major sporting events here in central Nova Scotia.”
