The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has canceled the 2020 IIHF U18 Ice Hockey World Championship. The world association announced this on Friday.
The tournament, which was scheduled to take place from April 16th to 26th in Plymouth (Massachusetts) and Ann Arbor (Michigan), will not take place due to current prevention measures to spread the coronavirus.
Franz Reindl, DEB-President: “The current situation around the world coupled with President Trump's EU entry decision understandably gave the IIHF and the American Organizing Committee no more scope to hold the pioneering 2020 IIHF U18 Ice Hockey World Championship in the USA. Of course, I personally feel very sorry for the players.”
Stefan Schaidnagel, DEB-Sports Director: “The cancellation of the U18 World Cup is the logical consequence of the spiral of the last few days. All that remains to be said is that the rejection by our world association is logical and consistent. Despite our good opportunities as DEB To perform there with a strong team, with a strong year, the health of all players on and off the ice is the focus.”
Steffen Ziesche, U18 national coach: “Due to developments in the last few days, the cancellation was foreseeable. Nevertheless, it is of course a great shame for the staff and the players. You have prepared well and deserve to compete at the top level. Of course, the health of everyone involved has priority.”