VANCOUVER  – The National Hockey League's annual draft is coming to Vancouver next year, it was announced by Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and the NHL brass.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman alongside Vancouver Canucks President Trevor Linden and Vancouver Mayor Robertson announced Rogers Arena will be home to the 2019 NHL Draft.

DESIBUZZCanada photo-journalist Sukhwant Singh Dhillon was on hand to record the action as the announcement took place.

 It’s the first time the Canucks have hosted the draft since 2006 and the third time in team history.

“Returning the Draft to Vancouver allows the entire NHL family to meaningfully participate in a highlight of the Canucks’ 50-year anniversary celebration,” says Bettman. “The 2019 NHL Draft will provide another memorable moment for the Canucks and their fans while shining the spotlight on one of the world’s most scenic cities and serving as the starting point for so many NHL careers.

Robertson, who is nearly done as mayor of the city, took a moment to congratulate the club.

“The City of Vancouver looks forward to welcoming athletes and their families, international media and representatives from nearly every league worldwide to our city for this exciting event and to cheer on many young players as they start their careers.”

The league says further details about the draft will be released at a later date.

In addition to the draft, Vancouver will also be host the 2018 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in June of 2019.

Vancouver has hosted the draft twice before: in 1990, when Owen Nolan was selected No. 1 overall by the Quebec Nordiques, and most recently in 2006 (Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues). Montreal is the most recent Canadian city to host the draft, in 2009, reported News 1130.