Penalty Box Post Quick Hit
Thursday, April 22nd
2021 IIHF Women's World Championship cancelled
Provincial government of Nova Scotia asserts COVID-19 safety concerns
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and Hockey Canada announced yesterday that the 2021 Women's World Championship has been cancelled by the provincial government of Nova Scotia “due to concerns over safety risks associated with COVID-19.” This marks the second-straight year the tournament, scheduled to be hosted in the cities of Halifax & Truro, has been called off.
As noted in the announcement, the IIHF & Hockey Canada are in the process of determining if the tournament may be held later in 2021, at an alternative location.
Hockey Canada published statements from its leadership and IIHF executives regarding the decision. “We strongly believe the top women’s hockey players in the world deserve the opportunity to compete for a world championship this season, and we will explore all options to make that happen in Canada later this year,” said Dean McIntosh, HC vice-president of events and properties.
USA Hockey also posted a statement on Twitter, saying “We respect the concern for the health and safety of everyone involved and share the heartbreak of our athletes and staff who put so much into preparing for the World Championship. We will remain optimistic for the tournament to be conducted this summer as the IIHF and Hockey Canada explore alternative dates and locations.”
We will continue to monitor this and will share additional news as it becomes available. As previously reported, the U.S. National Team's tournament roster included Gopher Women's Hockey representatives Megan Bozek, Hannah Brandt, Dani Cameranesi, Amanda Kessel, Kelly Pannek, Lee Stecklein, and Grace Zumwinkle. Meanwhile, Sarah and Amy Potomak were attending the Canada National Team's Evaluation Camp – in Halifax – in an effort to make that team's World Championship roster.
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