The 2020 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland and all home international matches in April and May will not take place
The 2020 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland (May 8th to 24th) will not take place. The World Cup tournament with the planned venues in Zurich and Lausanne was canceled by the world association on Saturday due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The upcoming home international games of the German national ice hockey team as part of the World Cup preparations cannot be played due to the pandemic and the associated Germany-wide ban on events.
The following games are affected:
April 16.04.2020, 19 | 30:XNUMX p.m. | Germany – Czech Republic (in Nuremberg)
April 18.04.2020, 14 | 15:XNUMX p.m. | Germany – Czech Republic (in Heilbronn)
April 23.04.2020, 19 | 30:XNUMX p.m. | Germany – Belarus (in Dresden)
April 25.04.2020, 17 | 15:XNUMX p.m. | Germany – Belarus (in Crimmitschau)
May 05.05.2020, 19 | 00:XNUMX p.m. | Germany – USA (in Mannheim)
The Deutscher Eishockey-Bund (DEB) is in constant communication with all local organizers involved and the international ice hockey family in the current difficult situation. Many Fans at the affected locations were looking forward to the national ice hockey team game and were already excited to secure tickets. That's why it's the goal DEBto postpone the games until next season - i.e. into 2021.
Game postponed, tickets remain valid
Due to the above-mentioned intention, the tickets that have already been purchased remain valid for the planned games in 2021.
As soon as the DEB has completed the planning in relation to this, the information about the known DEB-Channels (website, social media) published. The DEB asks all ice hockey playersFans Please be patient and understanding, as clarification may take some time due to the current situation.
Free use of public transport with public transport combination tickets is no longer available on the respective days.
Franz Reindl, DEB-President: “The anticipation for the national team's entire preparation program and the Ice Hockey World Cup in Switzerland was huge. After the complete cancellation of national German games, the cancellation of international games is only understandably consistent. Ice hockey is contributing with all its might to the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic.”
Stefan Schaidnagel, DEB-Sports Director: “The cancellation of the World Cup is consistent and correct. The basis for hosting a World Cup simply does not exist. The German team had a professional, balanced preparation program and a strong squad for this World Cup. At the moment, however, sport takes second place. It’s about people’s well-being and health – and that’s what counts. We look forward to future international matches and major events!”
Toni Söderholm, national coach: “The final cancellation of the World Cup is a logical consequence and absolutely right. Even when making decisions like this, everyone's health and the role model function of sport must be at the forefront. Nevertheless, it is of course a shame for everyone involved not to be able to compete with the best in the world at the highlight of the season. Our focus is already on next season starting with Deutschland Cup in November 2020.”