EDMONTON & RED DEER, Alta. – In recognition of the changing epidemiological situation surrounding COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, and in an effort to maintain the health and safety of all participants and the community at large at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, Hockey Canada has amended the Lordco Road to the World Juniors pre-tournament schedule, originally set to begin Dec. 19.

The updated pre-tournament schedule has not been finalized, however games will not commence until Dec. 23, with the opportunity for games to be played on Dec. 24. An updated schedule will be available in the coming days. Hockey Canada will pause the sale of tickets for all pre-tournament games, and ticket holders will receive information about ticketing options when the new pre-tournament schedule is finalized.

“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.”

A total of 11 games were scheduled as part of the pre-tournament schedule, with each team playing a minimum of two games in advance of the tournament getting underway on Boxing Day.

The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship kicks off with two games in both Edmonton and Red Deer, including Canada opening its tournament against the Czech Republic at Rogers Place. Preliminary-round action wraps up on New Year’s Eve, while the bronze and gold medal games will be played on Jan. 5.

For more information from the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit the official tournament website at 2022.worldjuniors.hockey.

For more information on Hockey Canada and 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and by using #WorldJuniors.