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Remainder of 2022 World Juniors canceled due to rise in COVID-19 positive tests

The tournament, which was being held in Alberta, began on Dec. 26 and already had seen three games forfeited due to a rise in positive cases.

Elliot Desnoyers (Canada) was one of three Flyers participating at the 2022 World Junior Championship prior to its cancelation on Wednesday.
Elliot Desnoyers (Canada) was one of three Flyers participating at the 2022 World Junior Championship prior to its cancelation on Wednesday.Read moreJASON FRANSON / AP

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has canceled the remainder of the 2022 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases among players.

The tournament, which was being hosted by Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, started on Dec. 26 and was set to run through Jan. 5. Prior to Wednesday’s announcement, three games had been forfeited due to a number of positive cases, including the United States’ scheduled game on Tuesday against Switzerland.

Flyers goalie Felix Sandström, who was Sweden’s starting goalie in the 2016-2017 edition of the tournament, said it would be “tough” for players if canceled.

“Big tournament and fun to show yourself on the big stage,” Sandström said. “Everyone’s watching. Everybody at home is watching.”

The Flyers had three prospects — forward Elliot Desnoyers (Canada), defenseman Emil Andrae (Sweden) and defenseman Brian Zanetti (Switzerland) competing in the tournament.