U18 AA Championships

Located in the heart of Waterloo Region, Kitchener pairs a proud heritage with a modern, energetic sports culture — the kind of place where tournaments feel busy in the best way. With easy highway access, strong transit connections, and a metro population that brings real crowds, teams get a championship atmosphere without the stress of a major downtown core. It’s a destination built for family travel: quick drives, plenty of amenities, and lots to do between games.

Kitchener Minor Hockey Association (KMHA) has been developing athletes since 1933, building one of Ontario’s most established minor hockey communities with 2,000+ participants and a volunteer base that knows how to run high-standard events. Supported by the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, KMHA brings credibility, operational experience, and real community momentum — the kind that shows up in packed stands, smooth logistics, and a weekend that feels professionally delivered.

The U18 AA Championship will run out of Activa Sportsplex, a proven host venue for high-profile hockey events — including Program of Excellence activity like the OHL Gold Cup, development camps, and training camps. With a strong spectator setup (capacity ~750), six dressing rooms, meeting space, LiveBarn coverage, and ample on-site infrastructure (concourse seating, concession, free parking), the building is designed to keep teams, families, and event operations moving efficiently all weekend.

KMHA’s edge is how the event is supported behind the scenes. Teams will be assigned dedicated dressing rooms for the duration of the weekend (equipment can stay set up), with warm-up/cool-down space and services that reduce friction and improve the athlete experience — including on-site skate sharpening and event-hosted laundry support. Add daily nutrition/hydration stations planned with qualified oversight, plus an event headquarters and media booth capability, and you get a tournament environment that feels organized, prepared, and player-focused.

Kitchener is a “stay-and-play” destination with a long list of family-friendly and team-friendly options close by. From high-energy attractions like Bingemans, to culture and history at Joseph Schneider Haus and local galleries, to outdoor breaks along the Grand River and nearby conservation areas — families have real choices that work around game times. With the Crowne Plaza positioned close to the arena and capable of handling teams + banquet, the weekend stays centralized, easy to navigate, and built for memorable off-ice moments too.