Hockey Canada discontinued World Junior Selection Camp after positive COVID-19 tests

The Hockey Canada National Junior Team Selection Camp has been temporarily closed after two positive COVID-19 tests were confirmed on the players.

Hockey Canada announced Wednesday that players, coaches and staff at the camp have returned to a 14-day quarantine on Monday. All camp activities will be paused until December 6th.

The original announcement of the positive player tests came Tuesday – three days after it was reported that a “non-core member” of the Hockey Canada team staff also tested positive. Hockey Canada said it was suspending all camping activities, including the scheduled intrasquad game at the time.

Both players and staff were detained at the team hotel in Red Deer, Alta.

Upon arrival at the camp all players, coaches and staff must take the COVID-19 tests and be tested regularly while there.

Hockey Canada is in their selection camp ahead of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in Edmonton starting on Christmas Day.

“Hockey Canada has confirmed that all players, coaches and staff are considered close acquaintances and are therefore subject to a 14 – day detention period under the Alberta Health Services,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice president of national teams.

“After learning of the positive tests on Monday, it was immediately decided to suspend all camp activities and detain players and staff. According to Hockey Canada’s security protocols, all players, coaches and staff will go through additional tests before resuming any camp operations.”

Canada won the gold medal for the second time in a row at this tournament, the 19th title of all time.