Women’s World Hockey Championship Cancelled

The IIHF has cancelled the 2020 women’s world hockey championship in Nova Scotia due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19.

The hockey federation made the announcement Saturday afternoon in a statement posted to Twitter.

“It was not an easy decision to make, as we were greatly looking forward to hosting this tournament in Canada. Nevertheless, the decision has been made due to safety concerns for the well-being of players, officials, and spectators,” said René Fasel, president of the IIHF, in a statement.

“Ultimately the IIHF Council feels that there has not been enough of an improvement to the coronavirus situation to allow us to safely host a 10-team international tournament within this timeframe.”

The tournament was scheduled to take place in Halifax and Truro, N.S., from March 31 to April 10.

Due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the IIHF Council has agreed today to cancel the 2020 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship, following a recommendation by public health experts. Story: https://t.co/5FgkPv7VrE pic.twitter.com/i82Cjo3Ta9

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) March 7, 2020

Hockey Canada said the decision to cancel the event was made under the recommendation of the chief medical health officer of Nova Scotia and the IIHF.

“This has been a very unique and difficult season, and while it has given us the opportunity to prepare for worlds with our mini-camps, this is tremendously disappointing for our athletes, coaches and staff who have been working tirelessly all season,” said Gina Kingsbury, director of women’s national teams, in a statement.

The federation said the two communities will instead host the 2021 championship, subject to formal approval by the IIHF Congress.