Team Sweden Loses Another Player Due to Covid

Team Sweden has lost another player for the upcoming World Juniors Hockey Tournament after William Wallinder has tested positive for Covid-19.

Sweden has lost another world junior player because of a positive COVID-19 test: Red Wings prospect William Wallinder is now ruled out for the tournament.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 7, 2020

The 2021 @IIHFHockey World Jr. Championship is set to begin 2 weeks from this Friday (Dec. 25) in EDM in a restricted-access “bubble” format. All 10 teams are scheduled to “check in” Sunday, for a 4-day quarantine/daily-test period before being released into bubble Dec. 18.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 7, 2020

As Bobby Mac points out, the daily testing period should be a clear indication if the tournament is going to be able to run smoothly or not. The Swedes are already without William Eklund who also tested positive late last week. 

Worst case scenario is one team has an outbreak and ends up not being able to ice a team. 

As for Wallinder, he was taken 32nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings, who know a thing or two about Swedish players. It's expected Wallinder makes a full recovery and will return to play for Modo in Sweden, and battle it out for a spot on the Red Wings after next season.

Photo credit:   John Crouch/Icon Sportswire