Azorcan Tours Podcast

Bryn Griffiths and co-host Paul Almeida share early details about the 2028 World Juniors in Finland, including the host cities, likely tournament layout, and how to join AZORCAN Tours. They explain the December 12 launch event, priority-list registration, tour capacity, and what travelers can expect from the hockey and group experience.

Key topics

• The 2028 tournament is scheduled for December 26 through January 5, with games in Tampere and Turku.
• Finland’s recent World Juniors wins and its hockey tradition set the stage for the trip.
• Turku is a coastal city with the Gatorade Center, Turku Castle, and hockey clubs Tappara and TPS Turku.
• Tampere is known as Finland’s hockey capital; Nokia Arena is expected to host the medal round, though the hosts say this is an assumption.
• A December 12 launch event in Edmonton will reveal tour packages, pre-tournament plans, and departure details.
• The tour is capped at approximately 350 travelers; package spaces are limited, and prospective travelers should join the priority list.
• Previous tour passengers will get an early registration window, followed by other priority-list members; registration timing helps coordinate flights.
• The trip is designed around hockey and shared experiences, including sightseeing, a New Year’s party, and the evening “bear pit” gathering.

takeaways

• The tournament will start on the 26th of December and go to the January 5th.
• Turku and Tampere have been announced as the two locations for the World Juniors.
• If you want to register for the World Junior Tour, you have to be on the priority list.
• We're only going to allow four registrants per member.
• The absolute maximum is 350 people.
• Previous passengers on World Junior Tours can register first.
• We need to know where everybody's flying from so that we can get the flights that we need in January.
• It's about two things. It's about enjoying the hockey and enjoying the people.
• The big one is follow our Facebook page.
• It's all in the planning stages.

Sound Bites

• "we are hosting our launch Party"
• "Everybody had the big smiles."
• "The World Juniors 2028. Can't wait."

Chapters

00:00
Finland 2028 dates and host cities

01:58
What Turku and Tampere offer hockey travelers

05:14
December 12 launch party and package reveal

06:02
Tour capacity, pre-tournament plans, and scouting

07:43
Watch the launch online and understand early access

09:00
Why early registration helps secure flights

09:59
Winter daylight, New Year’s plans, and group events

11:15
Facebook updates and the community around the tour

12:13
Why the World Juniors trip is about more than hockey

14:07
Event timing and final Finland 2028 details

On this episode of the AZORCAN Tours podcast, hosts Bryn Griffiths and Paul Almeda discuss the upcoming World Juniors hockey tournament in Finland, scheduled for December 2027. They cover event details, registration for priority list members, and the unique hockey culture in Finland. The conversation also explores the tour packages available, activities planned, and insights into the host cities of Tampere and Turku. Additionally, they touch on tournament dynamics, potential team participation, and the vibrant fan experience expected at the event.

Takeaways

• The World Juniors in Finland will be held in December 2027.
• Registration for the event is exclusive to priority list members.
• The tour will include tickets to all Canada games and additional matches.
• Sightseeing activities will be organized on off days during the tournament.
• Tampere is known for its saunas and has a new hockey arena.
• Turku is Finland's oldest city and has a vibrant downtown area.
• The tournament will feature a competitive atmosphere with various participating nations.
• Cultural experiences will enhance the overall fan experience during the tour.
• The hosts expect a strong turnout from hockey fans across Europe.
• Future podcasts will provide more updates leading up to the event.

Sound Bites

• "We want to keep it at that."
• "One million dollars in prize money."
• "Finland has a team concept for all their teams."
• "You can't beat all the hockey you're going to get."
• "It's Finland's oldest city by the way."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the World Juniors Tours

02:56
Event Details and Registration

05:56
Exploring Finland's Hockey Culture

09:04
Tour Packages and Activities

11:51
Host Cities: Tampere and Turku

17:58
Tournament Dynamics and Team Participation

21:55
Cultural Insights and Fan Experience

25:04
Recap and Future Plans

Venice... it's on the top of many traveller's bucket list. Once you've been there, it also leaves a St Mark on your heart. On this episode Paul and Bryn chat about a wonderful tourist destination and also about some of the special spots off the beaten path. What to do and what to see. 

Everyone has HEARD about the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland. But what do you actually KNOW about this winter classic in the Alps? Paul Ameida and Bryn Griffiths talk about this Swiss gem and its delightful location. There's plenty to do and see other than the historic hockey event. 

If you're travelling over to Europe soon... do you know what the EES is? On today's podcast Paul Almeida and Bryn Griffiths will guide you through an important part of travelling through the European Union. Don't get caught off guard. 

We know. We know. There's a World Juniors this coming December in Edmonton... BUT we always look a little further ahead when there's one coming up in Europe. We are going in December of 2027 but maybe you'd like to hear a little background about this event in Finland first!? Join Paul Almeida and Bryn Griffiths as they break down what's ahead... over a steaming bowl of reindeer stew.  

We are very excited about another Canada Bears Hockey Tour coming up this September to Finland, Estonia and Sweden.

On today's episode, join Paul Almeida and Bryn Griffiths and they give you the scoop on this Fall's 13-day hockey tour which begins in Helsinki on September 23rd.

AZORCAN Tours is the leader in European sports tours since 1994. Check out this tour's webpage at www.azorcan.net/oldtimers.

Our Website: www.azorcan.net

Contact us:
[email protected]

Hard to believe it's been over SIX weeks since we all got back from our World Junior Hockey Championship experience in Sweden. But we all survived and have many great stories to tell. Plus all the friends we saw... and all the new friends we met.

On today's episode, Paul Ameida and Bryn Griffiths breakdown the whole event concluding in Gothenburg, Sweden. Plus we start looking ahead!!! Already!!! Sit back and enjoy the stories with Paul and Bryn on this special wrap up edition.

Our Website: www.azorcan.net

Contact us:
[email protected]
[email protected]

For many, they were the favourites coming in, and they got there. The host team from Sweden faces the United States of America in the Gold Medal final on nFriday, January 5th in Gothenburg.

Paul Ameida and Bryn Griffiths breakdown the Thursday games at The BEAR PIT at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel in Gothenburg, Sweden. Plus they'll also look ahead to the gold medal match up. 

Our Website: www.azorcan.net

Other great links:
https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2024/wm20
https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/men/junior/2023-24/world-championship/stats/schedule
https://www.tsn.ca/world-juniors

Contact us:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Canada took it on the chin losing a tough 3-2 game to Czechia in heartbreaking fashion. This loss now eliminates Canada from further play at this year's event. Paul Ameida and Bryn Griffiths hosted a post game 'wake' at The BEAR PIT at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel in Gothenburg, Sweden.   

Our Website: www.azorcan.net

Other great links:
https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2024/wm20
https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/men/junior/2023-24/world-championship/stats/schedule
https://www.tsn.ca/world-juniors

Contact us:
[email protected]