8 German Players Test Positive at World Juniors

From left, USA goalkeeper Dustin Wolf, Mattias Samuelsson, Germany's Justin Schuetz and Jacob Pivonka of the USA in action during the 2020 IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championships Group B match between Germany and USA in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Friday Dec. 27, 2019. (Petr Sznapka/CTK via AP)

The International Ice Hockey Federation said eight players from Germany’s team at the world junior hockey championship have tested positive for COVID-19 inside the Edmonton, Alberta, bubble.

The IIHF said the Germans will all remain in quarantine until Thursday.

The country is scheduled to open the tournament against Finland on Christmas, according to The Associated Press.

Germany, with a roster that includes Ottawa Senators prospect and 2020 No. 3 overall draft pick Tim Stuetzle, will miss exhibition games against Austria and the Czech Republic ahead of the annual under-20 event.

The IIHF also said two members of Sweden’s team staff tested positive.

The Swedes will stay in quarantine until Monday. Sweden is scheduled to face Canada in an exhibition game Monday.

The IIHF said over 2,000 tests have been conducted on players, staff and game officials since entering the Edmonton bubble Sunday.

Teams without positive tests were eligible to begin training Friday.