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.