CALGARY, Alta. – The following are statements on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, and Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of national teams, in response to the announcement by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship being played in Edmonton without fans, and the decision to hold the 2022 World Juniors in Edmonton and Red Deer.

“After careful consideration and monitoring of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been determined the best course of action is to prepare to host the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton without fans in attendance. A tremendous amount of work has been put into the planning of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, and we appreciate the IIHF’s consideration of our hosting proposal for the event. 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. 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. We have no doubt that passionate hockey fans everywhere will still be able to enjoy this annual holiday tradition through complete event coverage from our broadcast partners, TSN and RDS, and we look forward to hosting this prestigious event this December in Edmonton.”

-      Tom Renney on the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship

 “Hockey Canada wishes to extend its gratitude to the IIHF for its careful consideration of the status and hosting model of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, as well as the Government of Alberta for its support and confidence in Hockey Canada’s plans for the 2021 World Juniors. Although it is disappointing for passionate hockey fans to not be able to attend in person this year, we are thrilled to announce that the IIHF World Junior Championship will return to Edmonton and Red Deer in December 2021. Hockey Canada will continue to work with the Oilers Entertainment Group, the Red Deer Rebels, the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer, our broadcast partners and all event partners to prepare for a world-class experience for fans at the 2022 World Juniors.”

-      Scott Smith on the 2021 and 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships

“Although the World Juniors will look and feel different for the athletes and staff that will be selected to represent Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, we are grateful to be able to compete on home ice as Canada’s National Junior Team prepares to defend the gold medal in Edmonton. We also look forward to returning to the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer in 2022, as we know both communities and all event partners will deliver a world-class experience to players, teams, fans and volunteers alike. As we prepare to compete in consecutive tournaments on home ice, Hockey Canada extends its appreciation to the Canadian Hockey League for its support of the National Junior Team and the IIHF World Junior Championship.”

-      Scott Salmond on the 2021 and 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships 

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook and Twitter and Twitter.com/HC_WJC.