The following are statements on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, and Gina Kingsbury, director of women’s national teams, in response to the cancellation of the 2020 IIHF Women’s World Championship, and the decision to hold the 2021 edition of the championship in Halifax and Truro, N.S.

“The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has diligently monitored the development and risk of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and under the recommendation of the chief medical officer of health of the Province of Nova Scotia and the IIHF, it was determined the best course of action was to cancel the event. This decision was made in the best interest of players, fans, staff, volunteers and the general public, and we fully support the IIHF’s decision. Our organization has been assured by the IIHF that it will honour Hockey Canada’s hosting agreement and that the IIHF Women’s World Championship will return to Halifax and Truro in 2021, subject to formal approval by the IIHF Congress. A tremendous amount of work has been put forth by our athletes, staff, the host organizing committee and our partners, and we look forward to continuing to prepare for this world-class event when it returns to Nova Scotia in 2021.”

-      Tom Renney

“Although our organization is disappointed that we will not be able to host the 2020 IIHF Women’s World Championship, we have been assured by the IIHF that Hockey Canada will host the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Halifax and Truro, subject to formal approval by the IIHF Congress. Hockey Canada staff, the local host organizing committee, Hockey Nova Scotia and our partners have been working tirelessly over the past 16 months in preparation for this event, and we appreciate all the effort that will help make the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship a world-class event for the Province of Nova Scotia.”

-      Scott Smith

“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. Anytime we can represent our country it is a special honour and we are proud to have that opportunity. Turning our attention towards the 2021 world championship, nothing changes in our preparations; we will continue to build our team and focus on competing for a gold medal on home ice next year.”

-      Gina Kingsbury

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Twitter.com/HC_Women.