The International Ice Hockey Federation Council on Saturday confirmed the cancellation of the men’s world championship, scheduled to begin May 8 in Switzerland, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“This is a harsh reality to face for the international ice hockey family, but one that we must accept,” said IIHF president René Fasel. “The coronavirus is a global problem and requires major efforts by government bodies to combat its spread.
The 2020 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has been confirmed today by the IIHF Council. Story: <a href=”https://t.co/N3rr4RucLT”>https://t.co/N3rr4RucLT</a> <a href=”https://t.co/uBQ9Uf8PVL”>pic.twitter.com/uBQ9Uf8PVL</a>
—@IIHFHockey
“The IIHF must do all it can to support this fight. We have to set sport aside for now and support both the government bodies and the ice hockey family.”
Two weeks ago, the IIHF cancelled the 10-country women’s world tournament scheduled for March 31 to April 10 in Halifax and Truro, N.S., because of concerns over the spread of the virus.
It assured Canada the 2021 tourney would be held in Nova Scotia, even though Russia was scheduled to host it next year.
The Canadian men settled for their second world silver medal in three years on May 26, 2019, losing 3-1 to Finland, which won its first title since 2011. Russia beat the Czech Republic 3-2 in a shootout for bronze.
Recent medallists
2019 — Finland, Canada, Russia
2018 — Sweden, Switzerland, U.S.
2017 — Sweden, Canada, Russia
2016 — Canada, Finland, Russia
2015 — Canada, Russia, U.S.
Finland iced an unheralded roster that featured only two players who spent any time in the NHL during the 2018-19 season. Finland opened its tournament by handing the Canadians their only loss of the preliminary round and ultimately finished second in the Group A standings behind Canada.
Canada is the only team to have reached the semifinal at the world championship for the last five straight years. The Canadians won gold in 2015 and 2016 and silver in 2017 before finishing fourth in 2018.