CALGARY, Alta. – The following are statements on behalf of Hockey Canada from Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, and Gina Kingsbury, director of women’s national teams, in response to the announcement by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on the status of the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

“Hockey Canada wishes to extend its gratitude to the IIHF for its careful consideration of the status of the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Halifax and Truro, N.S., and determining the tentative dates of May 6-16. Our organization knows it will have strict support from all participating federations as it relates to adhering to the final health and safety plan that will focus on quarantining, COVID-19 testing, single-room isolation, masking, proper hygiene and social distancing. Hosting a successful world championship this season means ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved, which continues to be our top priority. Hockey Canada and the host organizing committee are committed to working with the appropriate health authorities and listening to the direction of medical experts to build a safe and strong hosting plan. We understand the disappointment of having the event cancelled last spring and delaying the start of the IIHF Women’s World Championship this year, but we know the extra time to prepare will help us provide a world-class experience for the participants while maintaining the health and safety of all participants and the community at large.”

-      Scott Smith

“The cancellation of the 2020 IIHF Women’s World Championship was very difficult for our athletes, coaches and staff, and although the 2021 event is scheduled to start later than usual, our team is grateful to the IIHF and Hockey Canada for their commitment to hosting a world championship this season under difficult circumstances. The anticipation to compete in a women’s worlds on home ice in Halifax and Truro has been building amongst our team for many, many months, and we are excited about the opportunity to return to the East Coast. This event is critical for our preparations for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, and we look forward to competing for a gold medal.”

-      Gina Kingsbury

To read the official announcement from the IIHF, please visit IIHF.com.

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