The 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship was canceled on Wednesday as the province of Nova Scotia did not feel comfortable hosting it after reviewing the COVID-19 cases.
The Chief Medical Officer of the province, Drs. Robert Strang said the news was unexpected that everything had gone well the day before. According to Hockey Canada, protocols were in place to keep players and staff away from the public during the May 6–16 event in Halifax and True.
While everyone understands the desire to keep Nova Scotians safe from COVID-19 – the province reported a spike in cases – the move left players from 10 countries ready for a heart-breaking competition. On Thursday, many of them took to social media.
Women’s World Championship Canceled: Why? What will happen next?
“Today we had to find out our roster,” said Blair Turnbull, a resident of Nova Scotia. “Other teams were going to come to Halifax. I was very excited for them to experience what it is like to play hockey in Nova Scotia, to feel the pride of the people here, but instead we are packing our bags at the head home, where we are once again Will wait for reply. “
I am completely disappointed by Nova Scotia’s decision to repeal the 2021 WWC.
The health and safety of people has always been our number one priority in Nova Scotia. To ensure this, Hockey Canada, our medical staff, and the IIHF put in place these protocols: pic.twitter.com/NzrpnIbEV1– Blair Turnbull (@ katbt617) April 22, 2021
USA captain Kendall Coin Shofield tweeted a statement on Thursday night. The team was scheduled to visit Halifax on Thursday.
“We are all ruined. Devastated for so many reasons, ”she wrote. “But to know that there was no contingency plan and that IIHF is letting 250 of the world’s best players return to their homes today is ‘we are looking for new dates’ – simply unacceptable.”
Coin Schofield asked for more transparency and answers, asking why the tournament did not go on like the U18 Men’s World Championship, with host USA Hockey moving it from Michigan to Texas.
“Like many of us, I’m tired of saying … but even more tired of feeling it: women’s hockey, once again, deserves more and better,” she said. “We deserve a world championship before the end of this hockey season – it’s been 739 days since the last.” (The 2020 edition was canceled due to an epidemic.)
Canadian defenseman Sarah Nurse also said, “I am beyond disappointed.”
I am very sad Protocol, time and energy put into being our first world championship in 2 years .. Fully kiboshed (the day before the arrival of the team). We are such a flexible group and we have shown it again and again but I am disappointed. https://t.co/lO7cFNkmWr
– Sarah Nurse (@nersey16) April 22, 2021
Forward Jill Saunier, who also hails from Halifax, posted her thoughts on Instagram, which repeatedly included protocols and the importance of protecting the province.
“I woke up today with a pit in my stomach. I wish it was from the veins of game day, but it wasn’t, “he began, before concluding:” I love this province, but I am deeply disappointed by the decision to rob us of this dream. “
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