Primer: What you need to know about the worlds

CALGARY — The puck drops Friday on a women’s world hockey championship 859 days after the last one.

Who’s counting? American forward Kendall Coyne Schofield is, for one.

“The pinnacle of women’s hockey hasn’t been showcased in 859 days,” Schofield said. “That’s why it’s important that we’re here.”

So what do you need to know about the tournament?

> Ten countries will compete in summer for the world title in Calgary. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 world championship in Halifax and Truro, N.S., and the 2021 tournament was moved from those communities when Iain Rankin, Nova Scotia’s former premier, pulled the plug again earlier this year.

> No tickets have been sold, but “all parties are still working with the health authorities to determine if spectators will be in attendance,” a Hockey Canada spokesperson said.

> The teams spent five days in a hotel quarantine, began skating Monday and played exhibition games Wednesday. No player or official tested positive for the coronavirus during the quarantine, according to the International Ice Hockey Federation.

> Rosters have been expanded to 25 players from 23 for this tournament because no late additions are permitted in the event of injuries.

> The 2019 women’s championship in Espoo, Finland, feels so long ago, despite its drama. A recap:

Bronze medallist Canada lost in the semifinals to the host Finns and didn’t play for gold for the first time in the 29-year history of the tournament. The Canadians won bronze.

Finland thought it had won its first world championship before Petra Nieminen’s overtime goal was waved off on a controversial goaltending interference call. The U.S. beat Finland in a shootout for gold and a fifth straight world title.

Sweden, the 2006 Olympic silver medallist, was beaten by Japan and relegated.

> And this year? The United States, Finland, Canada, Russia and Switzerland comprise Pool A in Calgary. The Czech Republic, Japan, Germany and promoted Hungary and Denmark are in Pool B.

The five Pool A countries, as well as Japan and host China, have berths in Beijing’s Olympic field.

The three remaining slots are still to be filled via November qualifying tournaments.

> Russia continues to be designated ROC in IIHF tournaments, without the country’s flag displayed or anthem played, because of World Anti-Doping Agency sanctions against the country.

> TSN will carry all games via its main network, regional networks or live streaming.