Alberta Sports

EDMONTON — Germany won't have nine players available for its first two games at the world junior hockey championship because of COVID-19 protocols.

EDMONTON — Jamie Drysdale scored the game's only goal as Canada defeated Russia 1-0 on Wednesday in a pre-tournament game ahead of the world junior hockey championship. It could be a costly win for the host side.

“Overall, Emma’s in a really good position to strike, potentially for the podium in the pursuit tomorrow, so that will be exciting to watch,” said head coach Justin Wadsworth.

TORONTO — The NHL plans to release its 2021 schedule Wednesday, but Ontario's minister of sport said that discussions are still ongoing about how the all-Canadian North division will operate.

Defending champion Canada opens the tournament Saturday against Germany.

Canada, last year's gold-medal winner, will face the silver medalists from Russia on Wednesday in its only pre-tournament game.

The Oilers are scheduled to start training camp on Jan. 3. The season is slated to start Jan. 13.

Infection rates are rising at an alarming rate across North America as the continent heads into what could be a long winter of the pandemic's second wave.

Canada's players were confined to their hotel rooms for 14 days in the middle of selection camp in Red Deer, Alta., because two tested positive for the virus.

ALTA BADIA, Italy — Alexis Pinturault held off a challenge from unheralded Norwegian skier Atle Lie McGrath to win the classic men’s World Cup giant slalom on the Gran Risa course Sunday.