It is to the Russian hockey journalist Semyon Galkevich that Rene Fasel says that it will not be possible to play JVM without an audience in December.
Instead, the IIHF is working on the idea of deciding the JVM in Edmonton like the NHL playoffs where players will be forced into a two-week quarantine.
In the original setup, the JVM would be decided in both Edmonton and Red Deer.
- Exactly that model you look at to find a way to play JVM as it is a bit far until you can play with the audience in the arenas.
I hope Hockey Canada (Canadian Hockey Federation) and the IIHF find a solution.
Can you postpone JVM to play with an audience?
- We do not know of any such discussion from the Swedish side.
It also falls on its own unreasonableness given that the international calendar with various championships is relatively full during the year.
If you look at the spring page, it is the national playoffs where we Sweden have SM finals and qualifiers.
Positive to the layout
The Swedish Ice Hockey Association is positive to play JVM with an NHL format.
- From the Swedish side, we have said that we would like to see JVM implemented, and for many different reasons.
First and foremost, it is a big hockey party and the IIHF believes that games without an audience are the way forward, we have been positive about it.
In mid-September, the IIHF's board will meet and a final decision on the JVM is expected.
- We have agreed in the IIHF that all such decisions must be made no later than three months in advance.
We expect a definitive announcement by mid-September.