Connor Bedard (Andy Devlin, Getty Images) Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! While I had a particularly enjoyable weekend, the real celebration for fans of hockey begins on Boxing Day, the infamous date that marks the beginning of the IIHF World Juniors. There's a magic around the planet's most prestigious junior hockey tournament that simply can't be replicated. There is certainly an odder vibe around this edition, particularly considering we were blessed with WJC action just a few months ago, following the postponement of the 2022 version, to COVID-19 complications. However, once the puck is dropped, I'm expecting similarly world-class entertainment value. The big story off the ice is Team Russia's absence. The unprovoked invasion into Ukraine has had unsightly ramifications for sport in both countries. For the second consecutive tourney, the Russians will not send a team, instantly taking off a true competitor for the throne ...