By Troy Gillard/rdnewsNOW

RE-SCHEDULED

2021 World Juniors to be held in Edmonton bubble, Red Deer to co-host in 2022

Sep 17, 2020 | 1:49 PM

Red Deer and area hockey fans will have to wait another year to see live World Juniors action again.

The International Ice Hockey Federation announced Thursday morning it has approved a proposal from Hockey Canada to play the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship in an Edmonton-only bubble with no spectators.

The tournament was to be played in both Edmonton and Red Deer starting on Boxing Day. Instead the two cities will co-host the 2022 World Juniors, with plans to have fans in attendance.

“This is a tough decision to have to take, but ultimately we did not have a choice,” said IIHF President René Fasel. “The health and safety of players, officials, and fans is our top priority. We were impressed with the presentation from the local organizing committee outlining how a potential “bubble” scenario would operate within Edmonton, and we are confident that we can follow the NHL’s great example in creating a safe environment for teams to compete.”

A revised schedule for this year’s tournament will be announced at a later date.

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During a briefing with the participating teams last week, the Local Organizing Committee for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship shared a set of initial proposals concerning travel to Edmonton, COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, and a plan for a competition bubble that would isolate both teams and tournament officials within the Edmonton Ice District, currently playing host to the NHL’s playoff bubble.

“We’re excited that the World Juniors are coming back during the 2021-22 holiday season. Given the circumstances of the COVID-19 epidemic, this is a great outcome for our community and all Red Deer ticket buyers,” said Red Deer Rebels Owner/President Brent Sutter.

“Hockey Canada believes it will be able to host a safe and successful event for all participants and the community at large this year by following strict safety protocols set forth by the appropriate health authorities,” said Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney. “These are extraordinary times, and we understand the World Juniors will look different this year while being played in one venue with additional safety precautions.”

“The City of Red Deer fully supports the IIHF and Hockey Canada’s commitment to host the 2021/2022 World Junior Hockey Championship in Red Deer and Edmonton. I know Red Deer will be ready to welcome the world to our community in 2021/2022, and will actively continue our preparations for this incredible opportunity for our city,” Mayor Tara Veer said in a statement.

“I know this is a significant disappointment for many Red Deerians who were excited to share in the World Junior experience in our community this year. While I too am disappointed, the safety and well-being of our citizens, all involved with the tournament, and future guests to our community is priority.”

The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship was scheduled to be hosted in Gothenburg, Sweden. Under the new agreement, Sweden will host the 2024 World Juniors.

All ticket packages purchased for the sold out 2021 World Juniors in Edmonton and Red Deer will remain valid for the 2022 event. Officials note that ticket holders will have their packages (including the same seats) automatically transferred to the 2022 event at no incremental cost.

All ticket holders will receive an update regarding their ticket options via email from Hockey Canada today. Those who cannot attend the 2022 World Juniors will be given an option for a full refund.

(With file from IIHF, Hockey Canada, Red Deer Rebels)