Canada has been asked by the IIHF to host the 2023 World Junior Championship after it was stripped away from Russia for attacking Ukraine.
“The IIHF, as they try to find a new home for the World Junior Hockey Championship in 2023, which were taken away from Russia, have asked Canada if they can host the tournament,” Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek said during the 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday.
“Now, I believe they’re also talking to other countries, but I believe Canada is a preferred destination. Hockey Canada meets about this next week. The IIHF will expect some type of decision by the end of April. If Hockey Canada does say OK, look for them to look at the destination in either Ontario or somewhere a little bit more east, maybe in the Maritimes.”
This is a busy year for Canada on the international hockey front. Hockey Canada is also hosting the rescheduled iteration of the 2022 world juniors, after the tournament was postponed because of rising COVID-19 cases late last year. It will return to Edmonton, starting from the beginning and featuring the same players, regardless of if they’ve aged out or not.
And, Hockey Canada will also host Hlinka-Gretzky Cup in early August.
