Image credit: Kamloops Blazers

By Earl Seitz

World Junior Hockey

IIHF cancels the remainder of the World Junior Hockey Tournament.

Dec 29, 2021 | 2:53 PM

KAMLOOPS — The remainder of the World Junior Hockey Tournament has been cancelled because of rising numbers of COVID cases on tournament teams.

The International Ice Hockey Federation made the decision to cancel the rest of the tournament after teams from the United States, Russia, and Czechia all had to forfeit games due to positive tests.

Several on ice officials — referees and linesmen — are also reported to have tested positive.

Todays cancellation affects three players from the Kamloops Blazers — goaltender Dylan Garand and forward Logan Stankoven for Team Canada, and Marko Stacha, who played for Slovakia.

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Garand was scheduled to make his second start tonight against Germany, while Stankoven was in the lineup for a second straight game.

The cancellation of the World Junior Tournament came less than 24 hours after Stankoven made his tournament debut, and scored a highlight reel goal in Canada’s 11-2 win over Austria.

The 18 year old from Kamloops tells cfjctoday that it’s a sad day for all players.

“Just really tough news overall, it’s a chance of a lifetime to be here, right.” says Stankoven. “I especially feel for the 19 year olds at this tournament. They’re not going to get another chance — it’s just crappy news overall.”

Because of their age this was the final World Junior Tournament for Dylan Garand and Marko Stacha.

Stankoven is eligible to play again in the 2023 tournament as a 19 year old.

With the World Junior Tournament cut short, Garand and Stankoven will be returning to Kamloops tomorrow and returning to the Blazers.

“We’ll be back with the team as soon as possible — hoping for the best, that the WHL doesn’t get postponed or put on hold. It’s just really tough news, and for me it’s just staying in it mentally and making sure that your mind doesn’t wonder. You have to stay focused on your main goal, and at the end of the day I just want to be the best player I can.”