An outdoor game has never been been played before at any top-level IIHF World Championship.

The announcement came from USA Hockey and the Buffalo Sabres, who are hosting the tournament.

The outdoor match on on December 29 in 2017, one of 31 contests across the competition, will be staged at New Era Field in Orchard Park, the home venue of the National Football League side Buffalo Bills.

The IIHF World Junior Championship features the best men’s players under the age of 20 from 10 nations around the world.

The 2018 event is due to be held between from December 26 in 2017 until January 5 in 2018.

KeyBank Centre and Harbo Centre in downtown Buffalo will stage the rest of the event's matches.

"The rivalry between the US and Canada is as good as it gets in sport," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey.

"To have an outdoor game between the two countries as part of the World Juniors in hockey-rich Western New York will be spectacular."

The logo for the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship has also been unveiled.

The design depicts downtown Buffalo and also the iconic Peace Bridge, which is a connection point on the US and Canadian border.

"We looked at a number of designs put together by Pegula Sports and Entertainment," said Mike Bertsch, assistant executive director of events, marketing and communications for USA Hockey.

"They were all terrific and had elements we liked.

"In the end we’re really pleased with the end result."