from Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun,

The biggest team — and in 2020 arguably the most important team — is now checking into the International Ice Hockey Federation world junior bubble along with 250 of the top teenage hockey players from around the world.

At the same time as the 10 teams, Paul Graham’s 90-member Team TSN is arriving on the scene for quarantine to begin and bring everything together for one of the most challenging, important and responsible productions in this history of the network.

TSN, the host broadcaster, has played a massive role in building the holiday season event first in Canada and, recently, around the entire hockey world.

But this year is different.

This year, with COVID-19 numbers out of control in many areas, people are being asked to restrict traditional large family gatherings to small intimate ones. It won’t be the same with no fans in the stands in Edmonton, but there will still be a world junior championship. And TSN is well aware of the role the network is about to play in delivering more than just hockey, but in a way, delivering Christmas 2020.

“It’s nirvana for our viewers missing hockey,” said Graham, TSN vice-president and executive producer. “And we absolutely know the responsibility this year involving the coronavirus and Christmas holiday season to maintain our standards and deliver a first-rate television production, as we always do.

“This year, more than any other year, Canadians and the millions around the world watching will be expecting it.”

continued