An unusual world junior championship plunges ahead
EDMONTON, ALBERTA » A world junior men’s hockey championship like no other opens Friday iwith 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 tournament generated a $22 million profit the last time it was held in Alberta in 2012. Ticket revenue this year from a tournament that regularly does big business in Canada will be limited to buyers who don’t ask for a refund, but instead keep their tickets for the 2022 tournament awarded
back to Edmonton and Red Deer.
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.
“We know where everyone in the bubble is at all times,” McIntosh said.
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.
Russian, Finnish and Swedish players in the tournament have played something resembling a regular season in their respective leagues. Some Canadian and American players haven’t appeared in a real game in months.
Canada is in Pool A with Finland, Slovakia, Switzerland and Germany. Russia, United States, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Austria comprise Pool B. The top four teams in each group advance to quarterfinals Jan. 2, followed by semifinals Jan. 4 and the championship game Jan. 5.