Team Canada and the World Juniors have had a bit of an upset this morning. Hockey Canada has confirmed that there have been 2 players on the Canadian team testing positive for COVID-19; this has led to all players, coaches, and staff that were in contact with these players into a mandatory 14-day quarantine. The camp is currently suspended but the tournament should continue as usual; safety protocols will be requiring additional testing before resuming any camp activities.
With that being said, the hockey world finally has something to count down for! Amidst all the current NHL banter, the World Junior’s are set to hit the ice. After a successful post season in the NHL’s bubble’s, it if safe the say the players will be in good hands playing the entirety of the tournament at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
The annual puck drop takes place Christmas Day and the players are fired up. The same bubble format will be in place as it was for the NHL, which means it will be played without spectators; but this does not mean there will be any lack of excitement. Last years WJHC was held in the Czech Republic with Canada winning 4-3 to take the gold against Russia with a massive come back. After the whirlwind of a tournament last year and COVID eliminating almost all other sporting events right now, it’s safe to say this will be one of the most highly anticipated World Juniors to date.
There is another major change being made, and that is the switch of the host countries for the 2022 World Junior Hockey Championship next year. Originally, Gothenburg, Sweden was set to host the tournament, but due to the pandemic not allowing spectators this year they have agreed to let Edmonton and Red Deer host the tournament again next year. This will allow hockey fans who have already bought tickets for this upcoming WJHC to hang onto them and use them for the 2022 tournament. The President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Rene Fasel released a statement on the matter saying, “This is a tough decision to have to make, but ultimately we did not have a choice. The health and safety of players, officials, and fans is our top priority”. The IIFH will be covering any costs that Sweden has already spent in preparation for the 2022 tournament, and for us Canadians, well, looks like two years in a row of home ice hockey!
Get your Team Canada Jersey out, face paint ready and PVR set, as across Canada we will be set for puck drop! The tournament begins Christmas Day but Canada is not scheduled to play until the afternoon of Boxing Day against Germany. For the entire schedule check out www.iihf.com
Photo – Ryan Remiorz / CP