Top prospect currently dealing with nightmare scenario in Toronto on the day of World Juniors kickoff

Per Walsh, Czech defenseman and Columbus Blue Jackets 2022 6th overall draft pick David Jiricek took a flight from Cleveland to Toronto en route to Halifax for the World Junior Championship tournament. As is the case with many a weary traveler coming through Toronto of late, Jiricek was stuck with multiple cancelled flights and lost baggage. The biggest issue? The missing baggage is Jiricek's sticks, skates and equipment and Czechia is scheduled to play in the opening game of the tournament against Canada today at 6:30pm ET.

Walsh had also revealed late last night that Jiricek had waited on hold with Air Canada for 2.5 hours before he was accidentally hung up on. While there's still over 9 hours remaining until game time, this is certainly not a small inconvenience for Jiricek, who wears a size 13 custom skate. Standing at 6'4, there's a good chance that much of Jiricek's equipment is custom and is not easily replaceable at a local sporting goods outlet.