Teams competing in the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship in Red Deer and Edmonton will play fewer pre-tournament games than previously announced.
In an effort to maintain the health and safety of all participants and the community at the World Juniors, Hockey Canada has amended the Lordco Road to the World Juniors pre-tournament schedule, which was originally set to begin Sunday.
“In the interest of the health and safety of all participants, and following in-depth discussions between Hockey Canada, the International Ice Hockey Federation, local organizing committee and the event medical advisory committee, along with Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services, we have decided to restructure the pre-tournament schedule ahead of the 2022 World Juniors,” said Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer of Hockey Canada.
“Although this was a difficult decision that was made with careful consideration, we understand this is challenging for players, coaching and support staffs, and fans. However, it is our goal to host a safe and successful event, and we will continue to take every precaution necessary to achieve that goal and distribute medals on Jan. 5.”
Canada was originally scheduled to play pre-tournament games at the Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer Sunday and Monday evening.
There will now be three pre-tournament games played in Red Deer on Dec. 23, Hockey Canada announced Monday.
- Slovakia vs Germany, 2 p.m., Peavey Mart Centrium
- Czech Republic vs. Switzerland, 5 p.m., Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre
- Sweden vs. Austria, 7 p.m., Peavey Mart Centrium
Canada will play Russia and the United States will take on Finland at pre-tournament games in Edmonton.
Red Deer ticket package holders will receive an email from Tickets Alberta regarding the Team Canada pre-tournament games that were cancelled as a result of the schedule change. Ticket package holders will receive tickets to both pre-tournament games at the Peavey Mart Centrium, and single-game ticket holders will be contacted regarding next steps.
“Although the Lordco Road to the World Juniors includes less games than originally anticipated, we are thrilled to unveil the updated pre-tournament schedule and provide the competing teams with an opportunity to play in advance of the World Juniors,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties with Hockey Canada.
“With five exciting games scheduled for Edmonton and Red Deer, we look forward to the teams hitting the ice in both communities and getting the World Juniors festivities underway.”
A total of 11 games were originally scheduled as part of the pre-tournament schedule, with each team playing a minimum of two games in advance of the tournament, which begins Boxing Day.
The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship will kick off with two games in both Edmonton and Red Deer, including Canada opening its tournament against the Czech Republic at Rogers Place. Preliminary-round action wraps up New Year’s Eve, while the bronze and gold medal games will be played Jan. 5.
For more information on the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, visit 2022.worldjuniors.hockey.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter