Red vs. White: The History and Legacy of the CHL Canada-Russia Series

May 2

For over two decades, the CHL Canada-Russia Series (formerly known as the Subway Super Series and later the CIBC Canada Russia Series) stood as one of junior hockey’s most compelling traditions—a six-game battle between the best of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and a Russian Selects squad, serving as both international showcase and high-stakes audition.

Launched in 2003, the series was originally created as a preparatory event for Team Canada’s World Junior roster selection. It gave Canadian coaches a final chance to evaluate CHL talent in real-time game scenarios—against international competition—just weeks before the annual IIHF World Junior Championship. The series quickly grew into more than just a tryout; it became a heated rivalry with echoes of Cold War hockey lore.

Each year, the series featured six games, two apiece hosted by teams from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Canada would ice regional all-star teams drawn from each league, while Russia’s roster was typically composed of players from the KHL’s junior circuit (MHL) or their national U20 squad.

Games were intense and fast-paced, blending the physicality of Canadian junior hockey with the skill and speed of Russian systems. And while technically “exhibition,” no one treated them that way. Packed arenas across the country turned out to watch local stars test their mettle in national colours.

The list of players who’ve suited up in the Canada-Russia Series reads like a who's who of modern NHL stars. Many made lasting impressions that helped punch their ticket to the World Juniors—or launched their professional careers:

Sidney Crosby (Rimouski, QMJHL) – A generational talent who participated in the early days of the series, Crosby brought national attention to the event.
Connor McDavid (Erie, OHL) – McDavid dazzled during the 2014 edition, showcasing the elite playmaking that would soon take over the NHL.
Carey Price (Tri-City, WHL) – Price’s calm presence in net helped anchor a tough WHL squad and foreshadowed his future as an NHL and Olympic star.
Nico Hischier (Halifax, QMJHL) – While representing the CHL’s opposition as part of Team Russia/Selects, Hischier’s standout performance caught the eye of NHL scouts before he was selected first overall by New Jersey.
Kirill Kaprizov (Russia) – The Russian sniper made his North American debut during this series and would go on to become a Calder Trophy winner with the Minnesota Wild.

Dozens of NHL regulars—including Brayden Point, Thomas Chabot, Bo Horvat, Mitch Marner, Darnell Nurse, and Ivan Provorov—played in this series. For many, it was the first time they wore a national jersey in front of a Canadian crowd.

Beyond player development, the Canada-Russia Series held cultural weight. For fans, it revived the emotional stakes of the famed Summit Series of 1972, while giving communities across Canada—from Prince George to Drummondville—a front-row seat to elite-level hockey.

The series also served as a litmus test for Canada’s World Junior depth. A strong performance against the Russians was often seen as a sign that the CHL had what it takes to compete on the world stage in late December.

The series was last played in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation. In the years since, the combination of international travel restrictions, evolving league priorities, and the ongoing war in Ukraine (which led to a broader suspension of international play with Russia) has left the future of the Canada-Russia Series uncertain.

However, its legacy lives on in the memories of players and fans—and in highlight reels showcasing raw teenage talent, national pride, and the kind of intensity usually reserved for medal rounds.

The CHL Canada-Russia Series wasn’t just a warm-up for the World Juniors—it was a proving ground, a rivalry, and a celebration of hockey heritage. From Sidney to Shesterkin, from Red Deer to Rimouski, it captured the hearts of fans and helped shape the careers of a generation.

Whether or not the series returns in its original form, it remains a powerful reminder of the passion, pressure, and pride that define junior hockey in Canada.