By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

NO GAMES UNTIL DEC. 23

COVID and Omicron situation delays World Juniors pre-tournament schedule

Dec 18, 2021 | 11:34 AM

Hockey Canada has announced that the pre-tournament schedule for the upcoming 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship has been reduced, due to the fluid pandemic situation.

The changes are being made in light of the changing circumstances surrounding the Omicron variant.

The pre-tournament schedule, which included several games in Red Deer, at the Peavey Mart Centrium and Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, was supposed to commence Dec. 19.

It will now begin Dec. 23, though a new schedule is yet to be determined.

Ticket sales have also been paused, and ticket holders will be receiving information about ticketing options for the new pre-tournament schedule when it is finalized.

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“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.”

The preliminary round of the World Juniors begins Dec. 26, as per usual, with that round wrapping up New Year’s Eve. The bronze and gold medal games go Jan. 5.

More information will be released soon, according to Hockey Canada.