This year's World Juniors tournament is being held in Atlantic Canada and as players try and arrive they're facing extensive travel challenges. One of those players facing challenges is top prospect David Jiricek. Jiricek was drafted 6th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jiricek is currently playing for the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL.
According to Walsh, Jiricek boarded a flight from Cleveland to Toronto en route to Halifax. Jiricek's flight into Toronto was delayed on multiple occasions due to weather issues in Toronto. But like many other travelers Jiricek is now facing another major issue...his equipment has completely disappeared. This leaves Jiricek with no skates, no equipment and no skates...and his team is scheduled to play tonight at 6:30 pm.
According to Walsh he spent multiple hours on the phone trying to locate the gear but with no luck. Jiricek is a 6'3 defender, who requires custom gear. Hopefully Jiricek is able to locate his gear, because his team will definitely need him.
Update:
POLL | ||
26 DECEMBRE | 136 ANSWERS Top prospect experiencing travel nightmare may be forced to miss World Juniors due to airline's incompetence Who is your pick to win the World Juniors? | ||
Canada | 79 | 58.1 % |
United States | 32 | 23.5 % |
Finland | 8 | 5.9 % |
Sweden | 17 | 12.5 % |
List of polls |