The two-week tournament was set to open March 31 with games to be played in Halifax and Truro, N.S.
The 2020 International Ice Hockey Federation women’s world hockey championship scheduled for Halifax and Truro, N.S., has been cancelled amid the ongoing spread of COVID-19.
The IIHF made the announcement on Twitter Saturday afternoon. The federation said the decision to cancel the tournament was made earlier in the day.
In a statement, the federation said Halifax and Truro would host the 2021 championship if approved by the IIHF congress.
“It is with great regret that we must take this action,” René Fasel, IIHF president, said in a statement.
“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.”
This is tough for players, fans organizers and our local #Halifax community. But. a sound decision based on public health recommendations. We look forward to hosting when the time is right @iihf @HockeyCanada #womensworlds https://t.co/OWUjJOc5r2
Fasel said the IIHF council felt there hasn’t been enough of an improvement to the coronavirus situation “to allow us to safely host a 10-team international tournament within this timeframe. We look forward to coming to Canada in 2021.”
Fasel said the decision will affect the scheduling of the women’s Olympic qualifications tournaments.