THE DECISION IS IN ON ALEXIS LAFRENIERE'S WJC AVAILABILITY
The World Junior Championship tournament is mere weeks away, much to the excitement of hockey fans all around the globe. The tournament will be hosted by the city of Edmonton and will take place in a bubble, much like what we experienced with the NHL during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Team Canada had previously been eagerly awaiting word on whether the New York Rangers had plans to allow the 1st overall pick in 2020, Alexis Lafreniere. On Thursday, they got their answer. Spoiler alert: it's not the answer that Hockey Canada and the fans were hoping for.
In a statement released Thursday evening, senior vice-president of national teams Scott Salmond has made the announcement that the Rangers will not be granting Lafreniere permission to play for his country in the tournament in favor of retaining the 19-year-old to have him compete in his first career NHL training camp.
“After ongoing discussions with the New York Rangers, Hockey Canada has been informed that Alexis Lafrenière will not be released to represent Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton. Although we are disappointed Alexis will not be able to join our team for World Juniors, we understand and respect the decision made by the Rangers,” said Salmond.
The tournament is still a must-watch event for hockey fans, despite Lafreniere's inability to attend. There will be an abundance of highly anticipated future NHL talents in action to pine over the holidays.
Team Canada had previously been eagerly awaiting word on whether the New York Rangers had plans to allow the 1st overall pick in 2020, Alexis Lafreniere. On Thursday, they got their answer. Spoiler alert: it's not the answer that Hockey Canada and the fans were hoping for.
In a statement released Thursday evening, senior vice-president of national teams Scott Salmond has made the announcement that the Rangers will not be granting Lafreniere permission to play for his country in the tournament in favor of retaining the 19-year-old to have him compete in his first career NHL training camp.
“After ongoing discussions with the New York Rangers, Hockey Canada has been informed that Alexis Lafrenière will not be released to represent Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton. Although we are disappointed Alexis will not be able to join our team for World Juniors, we understand and respect the decision made by the Rangers,” said Salmond.
The tournament is still a must-watch event for hockey fans, despite Lafreniere's inability to attend. There will be an abundance of highly anticipated future NHL talents in action to pine over the holidays.
|
MIKE ARMENTI
DECEMBER 3, 2020 (18H20) |
