Team Canada Jerseys hung in a local hockey rink. Photo: File Photo
The IIHF has tentatively scheduled the Women’s World Hockey Championships in Halifax and Truro for May 6-16.
Originally slated to take place in April the games were moved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ten qualified nations have all signed an agreement indicating their intention to attend the event.
Although the IIHF has said the event will take place this year there are still hurdles to overcome.
Final approval is still required from both Provincial and Federal Health Authorities. As well the IIHF is seeking exemptions from the current quarantine protocols that would require players to isolate upon their arrival to Canada.
During a recent call with the participating teams, the IIHF pledged to increase its financial support for the tournament, in order to reduce the financial burden for the organizer due to higher costs and decreased ticket revenues as well as to subsidize the higher travel and accommodation costs for the teams.
“We know how important this event is in the women’s ice hockey calendar, especially considering that we could not have a tournament last season and now with the Olympics on the horizon,” said IIHF President René Fasel. “Our Member National Associations expressed concerns over the associated costs that come with operating a tournament in the current global environment, and I am glad we were able fill the gap and ensure the Women’s World Championship can take place with all 10 teams.”
Whether fans will be allowed to attend or how many if so has yet to be determined and will likely be impacted by changes to current COVID-19 protocols.
In the two-tiered preliminary round, the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax will host Group A with the teams from the United States, Canada, Finland, Russia, and Switzerland. Group B will take place at Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro with Japan, the Czech Republic, Germany as well as Denmark and Hungary, the two teams promoted in 2019. The quarter-finals will consist of the Group A teams and the top-3 teams from Group B.
