(Calgary) The selection camp for the Canadian junior men’s hockey team kicked off Thursday with four fewer players, including one who will not participate in the upcoming U-20 World Championship.
Sudbury Wolves defenseman Jack Thompson was one of 35 players initially invited to Calgary, but was turned away due to “COVID-19 protocols,” according to Hockey Canada.
The Wolves suspended their activities on November 30 due to a dozen positive tests for COVID-19 within the organization. Sudbury will not resume Ontario Hockey League games until December 16 at the earliest.
The arrival of University of Michigan striker Kent Johnson has also been delayed due to concerns over COVID-19. He will join the Canadian team for the pre-competition camp next week.
Hockey Canada needed Thompson and Johnson to remain in quarantine for 14 days before joining the national team.
Peterborough Petes forward Mason McTavish and Charlottetown Islanders defenseman Lukas Cormier were also absent.
McTavish waited for the results of a COVID test and Cormier’s flight to Calgary was delayed. The two players were expected on the ice on Friday.
Canada will face the Czech Republic at Rogers Place to start their tournament on December 26. The event brings together 10 countries and will be held in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. The medal matches will take place on January 5th.
Canada’s 25-man roster will be revealed on Monday. The team will then travel to Banff before facing Switzerland in a pre-season game on December 19 in Red Deer.
Canada will also play preseason games on December 20 against Sweden in Red Deer and on December 22 against Russia in Edmonton.