While the world has been captivated by the rise of the youthful NHL squad, known as the “Junior Ducks,” the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) limits the age for its latest world juniors to players born on or after January 1, 1995. This ensures the players are at least 16 years old by the time the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championships in Canada begin.
Here’s a run-down of the various IIHF age-limit requirements for the various championships and events:
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World Junior Championship (WJC)
The 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship in Canada will feature players born on or after January 1, 1995.
According to the IIHF’s official website, the tournament’s preliminary round will consist of two groups of five teams, with the top three from each group moving on to the quarterfinals. The semifinals and final will be played as one-game series.
Each team must have a minimum of six players born on or after January 1, 1995, and no more than seven players (including replacements) aged 18 or older. Additionally, no more than three skaters (forwards/backs) can be older than 20 years of age.
Under-20 World Junior Championship (U-20 WJC)
The 2021 IIHF U-20 World Junior Championship will feature players born on or after January 1, 1998. The tournament will consist of two groups of five teams, with the top three from each group progressing to the quarterfinals. The semifinals and final will be played as one-game series.
A team must have a minimum of four players born on or after January 1, 1998, and no more than five players aged 19 or older. Additionally, no more than three skaters (forwards/backs) can be older than 20 years of age.
Championship Of Europe (ChE)
The 2021 IIHF Champions Cup, to be held in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, will feature players born on or after January 1, 1998. The top three teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winners of the other groups. The semifinals and final will be played as one-game series.
A team must have a minimum of four players born on or after January 1, 1998, and no more than five players (including replacements) aged 19 or older. Additionally, no more than three skaters (forwards/backs) can be older than 20 years of age.
World League (WL)
The 2022 IIHF World League will feature players born on or after January 1, 1998. The World League is an annual competition featuring the best players from each IIHF region. The top two teams in each division compete in the semifinals, with the winners meeting in the final.
A team must have a minimum of three players born on or after January 1, 1998, and no more than four players aged 19 or older. Additionally, no more than three skaters (forwards/backs) can be older than 20 years of age.
World Championship (WC)
The 2022 IIHF World Championship will feature players born on or after January 1, 1998. The top three teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winners of the other groups. The semifinals and final will be played as one-game series.
A team must have a minimum of three players born on or after January 1, 1998, and no more than four players aged 19 or older. Additionally, no more than three skaters (forwards/backs) can be older than 20 years of age.
European Championship (EC)
The 2023 IIHF European Championship will feature players born on or after January 1, 1998. The top four teams compete in the quarterfinals, where they will face the winners of the other groups. The semifinals and final will be played as one-game series.
A team must have a minimum of three players born on or after January 1, 1998, and no more than four players aged 19 or older. Additionally, no more than three skaters (forwards/backs) can be older than 20 years of age.
For more information on age restrictions and maximum player numbers, visit the IIHF’s official website at iihf.com. If you’re wondering which NHL team to cheer for this Christmas, you can find a list of all the American Hockey League (AHL) teams here.