Update on the status of the upcoming World Junior Championship tournament in Red Deer
With the NHL officially on its Christmas break and with 50 games having been postponed due to rising COVID-19 numbers across Canada and the U.S., there was some concern over whether the upcoming IIHF World Junior Championship tournament would occur.
The good news is that the tournament, which is set to kick off on Boxing Day I'm Red Deer, Alberta will go on as scheduled. The bad news for ticket holders is that the event will be capped at 50% capacity and patrons will have to wear masks at all times while in the arena.
In an attempt to avoid the potential spread of COVID-19, there will also be no food or beverages allowed in the arena to ensure that attendees remain masked, even while seated.
Hockey Canada released the following statement on December 21st.
«Following the announcement that the Province of Alberta will be implementing capacity limits for indoor sporting events, the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship will be reducing capacity to 50% for all games, effective immediately. The event ticketing team is currently addressing the implementation of this change and will be in contact with all ticket holders by the end of the day on Thursday, Dec. 23. No further ticket information is available at this time, but we thank our ticket holders for their patience and request that they please wait to receive the detailed communication before inquiring about next steps.
Hockey Canada fully support the direction taken by the Province of Alberta, and we will continue to do our part to maintain the health and safety of all World Juniors participants and the community at large.»
In addition, both the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers will see their attendance drop to 50% when NHL play resumes as well.
Ticket holders are expected to be informed on December 23rd as to whether or not they are in possession of tickets that will allow them to attend. Those who cannot attend will receive a refund for their tickets.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/juniors/article/world-juniors-flames-oilers-games-limited-50-per-cent-capacity/
