Luc Tardif got wet, but didn’t want to dive. The president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (FIHG) has raised the possibility that the World Junior Championship will be completed this summer.
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“This event is canceled, but that does not mean that it is the end for all that, suggested Tardif with a touch of optimism in this sad day, today. We must think about a way to complete this tournament in 2022. This committee is not giving up. There might be a surprise to come. “
By surprise, he hopes to be able to deliver good news in a few weeks. Optimistic, he wants junior players to be able to shine and lift their international cup in 2022.
“It’s one of the most important competitions for young players. It is not finished. We owe them that. ”
Explore the options
Tardif and the organizing committee will assess all possibilities in the next month. In the best of all worlds, a continuation of the tournament after the Men’s World Championship, which is to take place in Finland from mid-May, would be possible.
A downside is that the organizing committee must ensure the logistics with all the leagues involved, both juniors and professionals. Because, according to Tardif, all the players who participated in this edition of the World Juniors will be eligible for summer. Notwithstanding their age since there will be exceptions.
Faced with this possibility, he wants young hopefuls, among others, to be able to use this international showcase to shine with all their fires. Especially those who are eligible for the NHL Draft scheduled for July 7 and 8 in Montreal.
From these clues, we can deduce that the Championship could continue in June. Above all, Tardif does not want to promise anything.
Other reason
But it is not only the good intentions for the young people which rule in the decision to come. There is also the money!
According to Tardif, the World Junior Championship is the second most important tournament in the list of the FIHG. He represents a real cash cow for the Federation in addition to its organizer, Hockey Canada. In addition to these are the broadcasting rights holders, Bell.
Obviously everyone would like to be able to put a happy final exclamation point after a medal ceremony. For young people … And fill chests rather than empty pockets!
♦ The 2023 edition of the World Junior Championship will be presented in Omsk and Novosibirsk, Russia.