2022 World Junior chairman comments on tournament attendance, ticket prices

If you've tuned in to any of the 2022 World Junior games on T.V., it's pretty obvious that the first thing you'll notice is the empty seats. For a tournament as prominent as the World Juniors are, it's a little surprising to see the lack of interest in going to see some of the best U-20 players on the planet. But there may be a few reasons as to why.

During their media briefing on Saturday, IIHF President Luc Tardif and 2022 World Junior chairman Henrik Bach Nielsen commented on the attendance situation and mentioned that ticket prices are part of the blame.

Henrik Bach Nielsen said that the IIHF doesn't set the prices for the tournament and added, "Why not try to find August prices?"

He has a point. If you were to go on Ticketmaster throughout the tournament, for some games, the lowest price you could find was anywhere from $75 to $85 Canadian. For a family of four, that's $300-$340 for tickets alone. Because it's August, many families can find other activities that cost less than that.

Ticket sales have already begun for the 2023 World Juniors in Halifax and Moncton, with Luc Tardif saying that they are going well.

Tardif touched on the attendance issue and when asked what he has learned from hosting the tournament, he responded with, "Never try to organize it in the summer."

While it was nice to have hockey to watch during August, it's safe to say this will be the last time the IIHF hosts a major event such as the World Juniors during the summer months.

IIHF president Luc Tardif adds that ticket sales are going well for Halifax and Moncton.

What has he learned from hosting this tournament? «Never try to organize it in the summer.»— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) August 20, 2022

MUST READ

4 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Medical update emerges after Nils Lundkvist’s scary skate injury

4 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Bryan Rust caught making one of hockey’s most frowned-upon moves on Porter Martone

6 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Glen Gulutzan delivers update after Nils Lundkvist suffers deep facial cut

6 hours ago  |  By Cimon Asselin A familiar coaching name is suddenly impossible for Senators fans to ignore

7 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Travis Green fires back at reporter over Brady Tkachuk question

7 hours ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau Josh Anderson sends message after snubbing Scott Sabourin and it’s getting attention

8 hours ago  |  By Cimon Asselin After a disastrous playoff exit, one NHL coach is suddenly in danger

9 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Scary scene as Nils Lundkvist takes Michael McCarron’s skate to the face

MORE STORIES