USA Hockey has called on the International Ice Hockey Federation to reverse its decision to cancel the World Under-18 Women’s Hockey Championship, which was scheduled for January, in Sweden.
The tournament has been canceled for a second year in a row due to COVID-19. The FIHG said the decision to cancel all tournaments scheduled for January was based on a recommendation from the organization’s medical committee and that it was impossible to postpone the World Under-18 Women’s Hockey Championship due to ‘commitments in the Swedish leagues.
“I believe that the FIHG is trying to do its best to make its events as safe as possible for its participants,” said USA Hockey director Pat Kelleher on Monday. We did ask, however, that she take a look at the Under-18s and see if she can explore other options. ”
Kelleher called the tournament “a crucial event for the future of women’s hockey” and an important event for the players and staff.
The FIHG announcement last week, two days before the start of the World Junior Hockey Championship, raised criticism in the hockey-related community. US player Kendall Coyne said the decision was unacceptable.
His sentiment was shared by many. Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson saw outrage on social media and paid special attention to it because his sister Mae plays hockey at Syracuse University.
“Hopefully they can get it back,” Batherson said on a video conference. They deserve to play as much as we do. I would love to see this tournament happen. I watch a lot of women’s hockey and they are very good players. They deserve to have this platform to show the extent of their talents. ”
The Group A, Group B and Women’s Under-18 Second Division tournaments have also been canceled. As are the Group B and second division men’s under-20 hockey tournaments.
“These are difficult situations everywhere,” Kelleher insisted. We certainly hope that there will be ways for people to continue to look for solutions to some of these problems. ”