The International Ice Hockey Federation has updated its 2022 World Juniors schedule.
With the rapid spread of COVID-19 in recent weeks, the IIHF announced on Sunday that all 11 pre-tournament games were canceled. The tournament, which will take place in Red Deer and Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, is still scheduled to start on time — with some additional restrictions.
Instead of having pre-tournament games begin on Dec. 19, the IIHF decided to limit all competing teams to one game starting on Thursday. The tournament is still scheduled to officially begin on Sunday, pending any last-minute surprises.
Sporting News has you covered with everything to know on the COVID-19 rules, updated 2022 World Juniors schedule and more.
United States World Juniors roster 2022: Full list of players, NHL prospects announced for Team U.S.A.
Are the World Juniors canceled for 2022?
No, only the 11 pre-tournament matchups were canceled. The IIHF will still host five matchups on Thursday, Dec. 23 before the tournament is set to start on Sunday, Dec. 26.
All players and staff from the 10 competing teams arrived in Edmonton on Dec. 13, and were required to serve a five-day quarantine period. Team Germany will remain under quarantine until Thursday after eight players tested positive for COVID-19, per the NHL. Germany’s only pre-tournament matchup will be against Slovakia, after the United States takes on Finland.
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