Canadian health official: World juniors plan looks 'very promising'

Canada's deputy chief of public health feels optimistic regarding the proposed health and safety protocols for the 2021 world juniors in Edmonton.

"We've been engaged in ongoing discussions with Hockey Canada and all the relevant partners, including public health officials from the province of Alberta," Dr. Howard Njoo said Tuesday, according to The Canadian Press.

"I think the proposals and what's been put forward to us at the present time look very promising. It looks very good."

The planned Edmonton bubble will require players and team personnel to isolate themselves from the public during the event. Additionally, fans won't be permitted to attend games.

The NHL did not record a single positive COVID-19 test between the Edmonton and Toronto bubbles during the playoffs. Njoo believes Edmonton's experience handling the situation will be beneficial.

"Certainly the lessons learned, the experience Alberta had, because they had one of the hub cities for the NHL playoffs, will certainly serve them in good stead," Njoo said. "So, at this point, we're still looking at the proposals, but I can say, from a technical public health point of view, it looks good."

However, Njoo said public health officials are still reviewing the proposals.

Canada's selection camp began Tuesday, but 14 players were apparently not on the ice due to mandatory quarantines, because they didn't receive their test results in time to travel Monday, or because they weren't cleared to travel, according to TSN's Ryan Rishaug.

The tournament is set to begin Christmas Day and conclude with the bronze and gold medal games Jan. 5.