Puck drops on IIHF World Juniors today

A world junior men’s hockey championship like no other opens today with zero spectators and teams walled off from the general public because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The under-20 tournament at Edmonton’s Rogers Place is modeled on the NHL’s twin bubbles earlier this year that allowed the league to complete its season. Shorter in duration and with fewer people on hand, the 12-day, 10-nation tournament is still a major logistical undertaking for Hockey Canada and the host committee.

That it wasn’t canceled along with so many other International Ice Hockey Federation tournaments in 2020 indicates a determination to stage — and televise — live hockey despite a spike in local COVID-19 cases.

Hockey Canada vice president of events Dean McIntosh said the province has been “incredibly supportive.” Defending champion Canada opens play Saturday against Germany.

“We have an opportunity to give Canadians a gift here at Christmas time as well,” McIntosh said. “The holiday season, the tradition of the world juniors has been great.”

The teenage players must follow the same protocols NHL players did in August and September such as daily tests and regular temperature checks. Contact-tracing beacons are embedded in their event credentials.

When they’re not on the ice, players are largely confined to their team’s floor in one of two hotels. The arrival of winter limits available options to hang out outside their hotels.

Canada is in Pool A with Finland, Slovakia, Switzerland and Germany. Russia, United States, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Austria comprise Pool B.