The COVID-19 pandemic has plagued the entire hockey world. During November and December, positive tests caused the postponement of dozens of NHL games. Then, on Dec. 29, the International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF (IIHF) announced the cancellation of the World Junior Championship in Edmonton, Alberta. The tournament had begun just four days prior.

NHL

First, the NHL felt the damage of the resurgence of the pandemic. Many teams had to postpone several games due to a large percentage of their players in COVID-19 protocol.  The New York Islanders were one of these teams. The Islanders played their first-ever game at UBS Arena on Nov. 20 against the Calgary Flames. The team had to play with a depleted roster with Anders Lee, Josh Bailey, Anthony Beauvillier, Adam Pelech, Andy Greene and more in COVID-19 protocol. The Flames defeated the Islanders 5-2. COVID-19 continued to rattle the team, as they finished 0-4 in their opening week to debut the arena. The Islanders have had 10 total games postponed this season.

Many other teams had outbreaks of the virus during December. On Dec. 20 and 21, 13 of the 15 scheduled NHL games were postponed. On Dec. 22, the NHL suspended play through the Christmas break, postponing all 19 games on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23. The NHL extended the break through Dec. 27, returning to play some games on the Dec. 28. Dec. 30 was a successful day for the NHL, as for the first time in almost two weeks, none of the games — there were seven scheduled — were not played.

World Juniors

Unfortunately, the World Junior Championship wasn’t as lucky. Representatives from 10 countries arrived in Edmonton safely. The tournament began on Dec. 26, where four games took place. Dec. 27 saw another four games. The downhill spiral began when two players from Team USA tested positive on Dec. 28.

Team USA forfeited their game against Switzerland that day — Switzerland received a 1-0 victory. Because all 10 teams were constantly in and out of the same arena, the virus spread quickly. On Dec. 29, both Czech Republic and Russia forfeited their games due to positive tests. With no sign of stopping the spread of the virus, the IIHF canceled the rest of the tournament. Unlike NHL games, the World Junior Championship lasts only about one week each year and for most players is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

So, the NHL looks to be moving on from the crisis of the spreading virus — at least in the United States. Since NHL players will not be participating in the Olympics in Beijing in February, the postponed games will take place then. As for the World Junior Championship, we will have to wait until the tournament hopefully returns next December.

Ben Kule

Die-Hard Islanders fan and writer from Plainview, Long Island, NY. I have a passion and knowledge for this team and I enjoy sharing that with others