Following a recommendation from the medical team at the U20 World Championship and the IIHF Medical Committee, it was decided to cancel the tournament due to the continued spread of the Omicron variant. This is to protect the health and safety of all participating nations.
The decision was made after a player from the Russian U20 national team was found to be positive. This would have resulted in the third game being canceled during the tournament. As a result, the safety and health of all participants is no longer guaranteed, nor is the sporting integrity.
Attached you will find the link to the IIHF's official announcement about the cancellation of the tournament:
https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2022/wm20/news/31434/world_juniors_cancelled
DEB-President and IIHF Council Member, Franz Reindl: “The general pandemic situation, the strict Covid protocol and, above all, the protection of the health of all players and those involved left no alternative. I'm so sorry for our team. I hope everyone comes home safe.”