‘I feel bad for the children.’ The Greigs speak on behalf of many families with the cancellation of the juniors of the world

EDMONTON There were only long faces at the Greig family breakfast Thursday at a downtown Edmonton hotel, not the joyous reunion one might expect when a father and son haven’t seen each other in a couple of months.

Disappointment that the world youth hockey championship had come to an abrupt halt washed over the city and fans across the country. But it weighed more on the players and families involved.

Canadian forward Ridly Greig joined his father Mark, a scout for the Philadelphia Flyers and Maple Leaf, for some bacon, eggs and oatmeal in the Delta, and reviewed what happened and how they felt about it.

“It was pretty sad,” Ridly said of the mood on the team. “A pair of watery eyes, but not much to do or think about. I tried to take a couple of hours to get over it, but you know it still sucks.

“It is disappointing not to have a chance to win the gold medal. Every time you have the opportunity to represent your country, it is a great honor. And having it removed is terrible. “

Mark Greig, meanwhile, spoke on behalf of many parents: “I feel bad for the children. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that has been taken from us. “

Wednesday was tough as bad news accumulated. It was first official word that the Czechs, in the same hotel as the Canadians, had reported a positive COVID-19 test and would lose their afternoon game. After that, unconfirmed reports emerged about the loss of the Russians, after the tournament was canceled entirely due to concerns for the health of everyone involved.

All of that became official on Wednesday afternoon.

“First, we didn’t know what to think,” Ridly said. “It was heartbreaking news. You hope to play in this tournament when you were a kid and to have it taken to you like that sucks. Disappointing and there is nothing we can do about it. So go ahead. “

Mark Greig was here not just as a father, but as a scout who plans to see all of the NHL draft picks and continue his scouting duties for the Western Hockey League.

“This morning we were supposed to head over to Swift Current to see a game that potentially has three first-round players. That has been canceled, ”he said. “We had a team of six here in the city to watch the world youth tournament. That has changed. So we keep trying to find games that are valuable to us with a schedule that is played a lot. “

Five more positive results were announced on Thursday, including a Canadian player, which would have meant further losses.

Hockey Canada has come under fire for not blocking entire hotels for players in Edmonton and Red Deer. There were reports of teams and hotel guests mingling in lobbies and elevators. A wedding at the Red Deer location has attracted a lot of attention.

But Ridly Greig said Canada found no such situations at the luxurious JW Marriott that is attached to Rogers Place.

“There really wasn’t a lot of public access to where we were,” Ridley said. “Not as closed as last year, but still pretty good. I know our team, about masking and everything, we follow the protocol very well. “

The IIHF left the door open to play the tournament at a later date. IIHF President Luc Tardif said the organization would know in about a month if it is feasible sometime after the Memorial Cup, perhaps in the summer. Said Ridly, “That would be great … I don’t know if it’s going to happen or not, but I think everyone would be looking forward to it.”

Once the disappointment subsides, the Ottawa Senators first-round pick will likely be able to savor some memories as they return to the Brandon Wheat Kings.

“I’m sure I’ll make a lot of friends for life here, which is amazing,” said Ridly. “I also had to reconnect with some guys that I haven’t played with in a long time, so it was nice.”

As for the father and son reunion … well, with COVID disrupting their plans, they will be spending some unplanned time together.

“It’s great to see it live in person, of course,” said Dad Mark. “I saw all three games they played, including the exhibition game. So to see him use the flag and watch him play with the best players that I have seen over the years in the country, it was very special. We’re going to take a couple of days here and have a nice visit, and I hope he’s back in Brandon and we’re playing on a routine schedule. “