The much anticipated World Juniors will have far fewer fans in the stands following yesterday's provincial announcement.

Hockey Canada's Chief Executive Officer, Tom Renney and President and COO, Scott Smith released a joint statement addressing fan capacity at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship which is set to kick off on Boxing Day.

They say that a 50% reduced capacity will be in effect for all games and the event ticketing team is currently addressing the implementation and will be in contact with all ticket holders by the end of the day on Thursday, December 23.

The two go on to say that Hockey Canada fully supports the direction taken by the provincial government, and the health and safety of all World Juniors participants and the community remain their top priority.

Last year's IIHF World Junior Championship was played without an in-person audience.

The 46th edition of the Ice Hockey World Junior Championship is taking place in Edmonton and Red Deer from December 26, 2021, to January 5, 2022.