The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has announced that the 2021 World Junior Championship will be held in a single-venue format at Rogers Place in Edmonton without spectators.

The 2021 world class championship was previously scheduled for both Edmonton and Red Deer venues but the event had to be reorganized due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“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.”

However, Red Deer area hockey fans will be happy to know that the 2022 World Junior Championship will once again be close to home. In an effort to mitigate the cost associated with hosting a pandemic friendly event in 2021, the World Juniors will return to Alberta once again in 2022. Games are set to play in both Edmonton and Red Deer with spectators in both venues in 2022.

The 2022 Championship that was previously scheduled for Sweden will be postponed to 2024.

To read the statement from the IIHF, click here

This article was written with files from the IIHF.