Hockey Canada withdraws from Spengler Cup due to COVID-19 concerns
Posted Dec 20, 2021 11:31 am.
Last Updated Dec 20, 2021 11:39 am.
Hockey Canada has withdrawn its team from the Spengler Cup.
Canada often competes in the European club-based tournament based in Davos, Switzerland, sending a squad of Canadians selected off European pro teams along with some free agents.
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Hockey Canada has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2021 #SpenglerCup in Davos, Switzerland.
The decision was made to maintain the health and safety of participating players, coaches and staff.
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 20, 2021
Hockey Canada said in a statement on Monday it was pulling out due to the “ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The joint statement from CEO Tom Renney and president Scott Smith says that Hockey Canada believes it is the right decision for the health and safety of players, coaches and staff.
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Hockey Canada says it will participate in the event “for years to come.”
Canada’s Spengler Cup team was intended to be Hockey Canada’s backup entry for the 2022 Beijing Olympics in February if the NHL pulls out of the Winter Games.
