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The World Junior Championship is a holiday hockey tradition like no other. And it should look a little different this year.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2021 tournament was moved to Edmonton, Alberta, and played in “bubble” conditions with no fans allowed to watch the proceedings. This year, Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, have been playing host to teams from around the world and the tournament will at least be allowed 50% capacity for spectators when games begin on Sunday.
And organizers have been quick to pivot in all areas amid mounting COVID-19 cases.
One change was that the IIHF cancelled most of the pre-tournament schedule (which was set to begin last Sunday) and each team will play in just one game on Thursday before the preliminary round action starts.
All eyes will of course be on the tournament’s perennial favorites from the U.S. and Canada. Those countries highlight the two groups of participating nations: Group A has Canada, Finland, Germany, Czechia and Austria, while Group B is the U.S., Russia, Sweden, Slovakia and Switzerland.
Austria retained its place in a top division despite finishing in 10th place last year. Normally, it would have faced relegation, but the cancellation of various U20 tournaments altered regulations for this year.
The top four teams from each group will play in the quarterfinals, starting on Jan. 2. That will be followed by the semifinals on Jan. 4, and the gold and bronze medal games on Jan. 5.
Before things get rolling, we’re checking in on some of the major storylines and more intriguing players populating this year’s tournament. As hockey fans know, there is no comparison for the drama the World Juniors can bring.
Can Team USA go back-to-back?
Spencer Knight made 34 saves and Trevor Zegras recorded two points when Team USA shut out Team Canada 2-0 to win gold at the 2021 World Juniors tournament.
That marked the fifth WJC title for Team USA, along with victories in 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2017. What the U.S….
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Source : espn
