2021 World Junior Championship to be held in Edmonton hub

CALGARY - In response to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has announced the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship will be played in Edmonton without fans, with the 2022 tournament being held in Edmonton and Red Deer.

FULL STATEMENT FROM HOCKEY CANADA:

The following are statements on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, and Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of national teams, in response to the announcement by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship being played in Edmonton without fans, and the decision to hold the 2022 World Juniors in Edmonton and Red Deer.

“After careful consideration and monitoring of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been determined the best course of action is to prepare to host the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton without fans in attendance. A tremendous amount of work has been put into the planning of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, and we appreciate the IIHF’s consideration of our hosting proposal for the event. Hockey Canada believes it will be able to host a safe and successful event for all participants and the community at large this year by following strict safety protocols set forth by the appropriate health authorities. These are extraordinary times, and we understand the World Juniors will look different this year while being played in one venue with additional safety precautions. We have no doubt that passionate hockey fans everywhere will still be able to enjoy this annual holiday tradition through complete event coverage from our broadcast partners, TSN and RDS, and we look forward to hosting this prestigious event this December in Edmonton.” - Tom Renney on the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship

“Hockey Canada wishes to extend its gratitude to the IIHF for its careful consideration of the status and hosting model of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, as well as the Government of Alberta for its support and confidence in Hockey Canada’s plans for the 2021 World Juniors. Although it is disappointing for passionate hockey fans to not be able to attend in person this year, we are thrilled to announce that the IIHF World Junior Championship will return to Edmonton and Red Deer in December 2021. Hockey Canada will continue to work with the Oilers Entertainment Group, the Red Deer Rebels, the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer, our broadcast partners and all event partners to prepare for a world-class experience for fans at the 2022 World Juniors.” - Scott Smith on the 2021 and 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships

“Although the World Juniors will look and feel different for the athletes and staff that will be selected to represent Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, we are grateful to be able to compete on home ice as Canada’s National Junior Team prepares to defend the gold medal in Edmonton. We also look forward to returning to the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer in 2022, as we know both communities and all event partners will deliver a world-class experience to players, teams, fans and volunteers alike. As we prepare to compete in consecutive tournaments on home ice, Hockey Canada extends its appreciation to the Canadian Hockey League for its support of the National Junior Team and the IIHF World Junior Championship.” - Scott Salmond on the 2021 and 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships

RED DEER - On August 28, Hockey Canada announced Hockey Alberta Coach Mentor Barry Medori as the 2020 recipient of the Gordon Juckes Award.

In honour of Gordon Juckes, Hockey Canada proudly recognizes an individual for their outstanding contribution to the development of amateur hockey in Canada at the national level. Nominees are from the fields of research, sports medicine, psychology, coaching, officiating, administration or related categories.

Lifelong learner, passionate, dedicated, mentor, are only a handful of words that are consistently used to describe Barry Medori. Committed to sharing his knowledge with coaches, players, parents and anyone else open and willing to listen and learn, Barry has left a lasting impression on everyone who has had the opportunity to work alongside him.

Barry’s wealth of knowledge in both the male and female game is unparalleled in Alberta and nationally. His experience has helped launch countless players and coaches to their professional careers while installing a set of core values that benefits all in their everyday life. As detailed below, his contributions at the local, regional, provincial, national and international level have benefited all that have worked with him.

Hockey Alberta would like to congratulate Barry Medori on a very well-deserved honour, and sincerely thank him for everything he does for the sport in Alberta, and in Canada.

Professional:

2008 – Current: High-Performance Coach Mentor, Hockey Alberta
Coach Mentor for Male/Female Canada Winter Games teams (2011/15/19)
Coach Mentor for Male Female Alberta Winter Games teams (2010/12/14/16/18)
Coach Mentor for Male U18 Nationals (2009/11/12/13/15/16/17)
Coach Mentor Male WHL Cup (2009/11/12/13/15/16/17/19)

2001 – 2013: Coordinator / Head Instructor, Parkland Hockey Academy
Identified by Paul Carson as a model Hockey Canada Skill Academy

2001 – 2005: Assistant Principal, Woodhaven Junior High School

1989 – 2000: Assistant Principal, Blueberry Community School

Coaching Experience:

2007 – 2011: Head Coach, Onoway Ice Dogs Senior AA team

2004: Assistant Coach, Team Canada U22 Female

2003: Coach Coordinator, Hockey Alberta
Assistant Coach, Team Alberta Canada Winter Games

2003 – 2008: Head Coach / GM, Edmonton Chimos Senior Female AAA

2002 – 2003: Mentor Coach, Alberta Cup, Hockey Alberta

2002: Head Coach, Team Pacific U17 World Cup Challenge

2001 – 2003: Assistant Coach, NAIT OOKs College team

2000 – 2001: Head Coach, Drayton Valley Junior A Hockey team

1999 – 2000: Assistant Coach, Drayton Valley Junior A Hockey team

International Experience:

2011: Coach Mentor, Government of Alberta – China Exchange

2003: Head Coach, IIHF Youth Hockey Development Camp - Finland

Hockey Alberta wants to remind you that Hockey is Back.

- Minor Hockey has started.

- Travel is permitted.

- Tiering games will happen.

Hockey Alberta under the guidance of the Government of Alberta and Hockey Canada has developed a comprehensive Return to Hockey Plan.

The plan has been designed to ensure the safety of the players, coaches, officials, volunteers and all involved in the game, is the top priority.

It is a document that Hockey Alberta will continue to review, adapt and evolve as the COVID-19 situation and guidelines implemented by the Government of Alberta and Hockey Canada change.

But, in short - HOCKEY IS BACK.

TIERING GAMES WILL HAPPEN

Group: Minor Hockey

Tiering Phase: Competition Cohorts (Pairs and/ or Groups of Teams)

Dates: Teams Selected & Ready to Participate by November

Important to Note:

• Hockey Alberta and our Minor Leagues have a plan for a transition into a ‘Modified Competition Season’.
• Using existing cohort guidelines from AHS, teams will be grouped to participate in Tiering play.
• Teams must be prepared for Tiering Play by ensuring they take a 14-day break after any Exhibition Play.
• Leagues will switch Competition Cohorts within Tiering Play by utilizing a 14-day break from cohort activity.

TRAVEL IS PERMITTED

Important to Remember for Minor Hockey:

• AHS has removed the limitation of cohort groups remaining in respective health zones, when Cohort Guidelines are followed.
• NO TOURNAMENTS are permitted at this time, as they DO NOT comply with Cohort Guidelines.
• Travel will be permitted. Hockey Alberta and its leagues are working together on timelines, and exhibition games could occur as early as October’.
• When travel occurs, all teams must follow the proper Cohort Guidelines – a 14 day break when switching to play a new team.

Related Links:

• AHS Sport and Recreation Guidelines

MINOR HOCKEY HAS STARTED

Current Phase: Prep skates/ Physically Distanced Sorting (try outs, camps, etc) are currently in progress

Rough dates: September 7 – October 8

Related Links:

• Player Selection Resource
• Lane Formations
• Station Formations
• Physical Distance Practice Tips

TORONTO, ON - Applications are now being accepted for the Hockey Equipment Relief Program, orchestrated by Bauer Hockey, Hockey Canada, the National Hockey League (NHL), and National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA).

Originally announced on July 30, the goal of the program is to help communities and families financially impacted by COVID-19 get their kids back on the ice. The program is an equipment donation initiative that includes $2 million of hockey gear, with upwards of 7,000 sets of gear to be distributed to families and communities most in need in the seven Canadian NHL cities, as well as other regions.

The application period for the Hockey Equipment Relief Program will open on September 18, allowing a number of organizations across the country to apply to be a Donation Partner. The application period will remain open until September 28, followed by equipment distribution between Oct. 12, 2020 and March 1, 2021.

Donation partners can include:

• Minor Hockey Associations (MHA)
• Youth organizations or groups ie. YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, Pond Hockey
• Minority communities and groups

APPLY NOW >

RED DEER – As officials from across Alberta prepare for the 2020-21 season, a special emphasis is being put on battling racism and inequality on the ice.

A number of topics were covered during the annual Officials Leadership Weekend (which was done virtually this year), with social injustice and inequality at the forefront.

Referee in Chief Craig Decoursey says equality on the ice begins with how officials treat each other.

“Part of your support will be ensuring you are inclusive, and supportive of your fellow officials, no matter their race or background,” he says. “Combating discrimination starts with us all working together to ensure a welcoming and safe refereeing environment.”

Sanjeev Bhagrath, a Sikh official from Edmonton, says he’s faced many challenges as an official who is a member of a visible minority.

“It is disappointing, unfortunate and disheartening the number of times I’ve had coaches, players and fans call me a Paki, Taliban member, or terrorist,” he says. “These comments have impacted me to the point where I’ve thought of quitting, and that I would never be accepted by the hockey world because of my colour.”

“However, my family and friends have always encouraged me to continue on and persevere,” Bhagrath says. “I will never understand why I have to be seen as a ‘brown official’ and not just ‘an official.’ We need change in hockey to make us all equal.”

In order to ensure a safe environment on the ice and respect amongst players, an increased emphasis is being put on officials to enforce discipline in situations of racism, discrimination, or inequality directed from one player, or a group of players, to another.

Charle Dumba, a Hockey Alberta official whose son, Matt, is currently working hard to lead change in the National Hockey League with the Hockey Diversity Alliance, offers his perspective as a parent and an official.

“As referees, we have a very important role to play, because we are at the grassroots level of where all of this starts,” he says. “As parents, we all want our kids to grow up a certain way, and be respectful, but we never really get to hear what they say on the ice, or hear what someone has said to them on the ice.”

“The Officials Leadership Weekend, organized by our Volunteer Leadership Coordinator, Chris Bruce, was a rousing success,” says Brett Kelly, Hockey Alberta’s Manager, Officiating. “Inequality and racism conversations are difficult to start, but that’s what we believe we’ve done – started the conversation around these vitally important causes.”

Kelly says the rule emphasis on inequality and discrimination, and the penalties associated with it, will be taught at all Hockey Alberta Officials clinics throughout the 2020-21 season.

VANCOUVER, BC - HeadCheck Health (‘HeadCheck’) and TeachAids launched a partnership to offer the interactive CrashCourse: Concussion Education (‘CrashCourse’) platform online through all HeadCheck products. Developed alongside leading medical, education, engineering, and science researchers and with input from their world-class coaches and student athletes, CrashCourse offers a unique educational experience that helps correct common myths and misconceptions to help better recognize and address symptoms of a concussion.

The relationship between the Alberta Female Hockey League (‘AFHL’) and HeadCheck means parents, coaches, and athletes can interact with the CrashCourse content online through the HeadCheck platform, at no additional cost. The result is a best-in-class system that connects all aspects of concussion education, reporting, and management.

A 2019 Journal of Pediatrics study found that in sex comparable sports, concussion rates were higher in girls than boys, and girls had a larger proportion of recurrent concussions.

TeachAids, a nonprofit leader in global education innovation, released CrashCourse to raise awareness of the latest science around concussions and shift the conversation away from fear and silence toward one of knowledge and empowerment. The base curriculum is offered in both HD and Virtual Reality and includes a short interactive film. Most recently, TeachAids launched the Brain Fly-Through product as part of the CrashCourse suite in collaboration with USA Archery, USA Artistic Swimming, USA Baseball, USA Bobsled & Skeleton, USA Cycling, USA Diving, USA Fencing, USA Field Hockey, USA Football, USA Gymnastics, USA Hockey, US Lacrosse, US Ski & Snowboard, US Speedskating, USA Taekwondo, USA Triathlon and USA Wrestling.

“At a time when online education is exceedingly important, it’s inspiring to see two great organizations joining together to educate athletes throughout Canada.” said Piya Sorcar, CEO of TeachAids.”

HeadCheck’s app and web products are used by sports organizations to execute concussion protocols, mitigate risk, and support athlete recovery. HeadCheck works closely with major sports leagues, medical professionals, and youth sports leaders to develop products that are grounded in research and easy to use in real-life situations. The integration of CrashCourse into HeadCheck will allow both organizations to work together to change the culture of concussion safety in sport.

“Education is integral to improving concussion safety and reporting,” said Harrison Brown, CEO of HeadCheck Health. “We’re very excited to integrate CrashCourse by TeachAids to provide education that connects with a younger generation.”

“Recognizing the increased risk of concussion in female athletes, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to elevate player education and safety,” said Kendall Newell, Manager of Female Hockey. “Integrating CrashCourse: Concussion Education into HeadCheck will help us provide a higher level of education.”

To learn more about how HeadCheck and Crash Course by TeachAids can support your organization, please contact [email protected] or visit HeadCheck Health Website

About the Alberta Female Hockey League

The Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) is home to 30 teams at the U18 AAA, U18 AA, and U15 AA levels, providing a competitive platform for young aspiring female athletes to enhance their skills. A collection of 12 host associations around the province is committed to the growth and development of AAA and AA female hockey. Through dedicated staff and volunteers, the AFHL offers opportunities for female athletes to receive mentorship, off-ice education sessions, female-specific coaching, post-secondary exposure opportunities, academic & billet programs, and a competitive skill development atmosphere. For more information: visit the AFHL Website

About HeadCheck Health

At HeadCheck Health, our goal is simple: we want to prevent mismanaged head injuries. Whether at the amateur or professional level, HeadCheck’s end-to-end solutions enable organizations of all types and sizes to execute their current concussion protocols, support athlete recovery, and mitigate risk.

Join the wave of over 800 progressive organizations, from professional sports leagues like Major League Soccer to your community’s sports teams and clinics, that HeadCheck Health empowered to make a difference: http://www.headcheckhealth.com

About TeachAids

TeachAids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social venture that creates breakthrough software addressing numerous persistent problems in health education around the world, including HIV/AIDS, concussion, and COVID-19 education. CrashCourse is the second free health education program launched by TeachAids in collaboration with Stanford University, following the global success of its award-winning HIV/AIDS interactive software, which is used in 82 countries around the world. For more information on TeachAids visit TeachAids.org or follow us on Twitter @TeachAids, Facebook @TeachAids, YouTube at TeachAids, and Instagram at @teachaids.

Media Contacts

Kari Kylo

604.889.8057

[email protected]