For the second time in consecutive years, Hockey Canada has cancelled the World Junior A Challenge in Cornwall.
The City of Cornwall was first chosen to host the tournament in 2020. However, as the previous time, Hockey Canada has chosen to cancel the event once more because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In an announcement made on Monday, September. 27, Hockey Canada announced that the World Junior A Challenge, 2021 National Women's Under-18 Championship in Dawson Creek, B.C. and the 2021 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup in Bridgewater, N.S. All of them were cancelled.
"Despite the desire to partner with three fantastic communities to host top players at different stages across Canada The safety and health of all players as well as the community at large continue to be of paramount significance in the eyes of Hockey Canada. The continuing pandemic, in addition to the status of vaccination for certain international teams, has forced us to consider a different alternative. We believe that the decision to pull these fall events is the best option considering the current uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic on an individual scale, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the ability of countries and regions to participate in a safe manner," reads a statement from Tom Renney, chief executive officer as well as Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer of Hockey Canada.
The event was scheduled to run from Dec. 12, 19 and 20 at Cornwall Civic Complex. Cornwall Civic Complex.
"Hockey Canada is thankful for the support that it receives from local hosts along with event partner organizations, which include B.C. Hockey Hockey Eastern Ontario, Hockey Nova Scotia and the Canadian Junior Hockey League, along with local communities like Bridgewater, N.S., Cornwall, Ont., and Dawson Creek, B.C. along with all provincial and local funding partners. Our organization is grateful for the support and commitment of all those involved in hosting these events. We are looking forward to showcasing our national events as well as the athletes to fans in the coming year." in the Hockey Canada statement goes on to read.