Hockey organization announces cancellation of AP World Women's Championships in Canada

By John Wawrow | Associated press

The Canadian women's world hockey championships were canceled on Saturday due to the new coronavirus.

The president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, Ren Fasel, told the Associated Press that the decision had been made by conference call. The two-week tournament was slated to open on March 31, with venues in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia.

Fasel said by telephone that concerns had been expressed regarding the health of players and fans participating in the tournament in light of the global spread of the virus. Fasel noted the difficulties some of the 10 countries will face in making travel plans, such as Japan, where almost all sporting events and large gatherings have been canceled.

"It's scary," he said.

Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney said canceling the tournament was considered "the best course of action" and was made on the recommendation of the Nova Scotia Surgeon General and # 39; IIHF.

"This decision was made in the best interests of the players, fans, staff, volunteers and the general public," said Renney in a statement. "We fully support the decision of the IIHF."

Renney said the IIHF has assured Hockey Canada that next year's world championships will be held in Nova Scotia.

The women's world championship was canceled once before the 2003 tournament in Beijing due to the SARS epidemic in China.

The growing viral epidemic has taken its toll with many sporting events across Europe and Asia with games canceled or played without spectators.

Fasel said the status of other upcoming international hockey tournaments will be determined in the coming month, starting with the Michigan men's under-18 championships from April 16-26. Fasel said a decision on this tournament will likely be made within 10 days.

The IIHF will wait until mid-April to determine whether to continue the men's world championships, which will open on May 8 in Switzerland.

"Of course, we are concerned and we are watching this," said Fasel.

The Canadians were looking for a chance to bounce back on their ice after finishing third last year in Finland. The United States defeated Finland in the league game to claim its fifth straight title and ninth overall.

"We fully respect this difficult decision and know that it was made in the best interest of everyone involved," said USA Hockey spokesperson Dave Fischer. "We are disappointed for our players and staff who worked so hard to prepare for this event, and for the fans who were anxious to see the best athletes in the world compete for a gold medal.

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage posted a note on his Twitter account: “It is difficult for the players, the fan organizers and our local Halifax community. But. a good decision based on public health recommendations. We look forward to welcoming when the time comes. "

The cancellation of the women's tournament comes at a time when women's hockey in North America has already been disrupted. In May, the American and Canadian national team members were among more than 200 of the best players in the world to promise not to compete professionally in North America this season following the disappearance of the Canadian Hockey League. feminine.

They then formed the Association of Professional Female Hockey Players to demand the formation of a single league with a sustainable economic model.

The association is organizing barn tours across North America, with the last stop this weekend in Phoenix.

"This season has been very unique and difficult," said the director of the national women's teams for Gina Kingsbury Hockey Canada. “Turning our attention to the 2021 world championships, nothing changes in our preparations; we will continue to build our team and focus on competing for a home gold medal next year. "

The virus has led the NHL and the NBA to consider taking precautionary measures.

On Friday, the NHL released a memo to its teams urging players to limit contact with fans. The move followed a similar directive this month from the NBA, which ordered its players to arrest fans and strangers, and to avoid taking items for autographs.