Hockey world not impressed with cancellation of women’s under-18 worlds

The International Ice Hockey Federation’s cancellation of the under-18 women’s world championship for a second straight year over COVID-19 concerns has drawn sharp criticism while the men’s world junior hockey championship appears ready to start on schedule on Sunday in Alberta.

Here’s a sampling of the reaction:

Womens U 18=-$
World Junior=$$$$$$
Nothing to do with safety, if they can pull of the WJ. Where there is a will, there is always a way. I question the ‘will’ part. https://t.co/45NkiS69Lj

— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) December 24, 2021

It’s really time for @IIHFHockey to show that their organization values women in hockey and find a way to get the Worlds best U18 Women on the ice. Postponing/Rescheduling this TOP TIER tournament while keeping health & safety top of mind would be a great way to start! https://t.co/A4dDDNxDBc

— Sarah Nurse (@nursey16) December 24, 2021

So the @IIHFHockey cancels the women’s U18 for the second year in a row. Did I read that right?
What an idiotic decision and completely unfair. The young women deserve better here. I want my daughter to play one day. I’d expect better for her, too.

— Marc Methot (@MarcMethot3) December 24, 2021

It’s a sick joke that the @IIHFHockey is the governing body for Hockey meanwhile they consistently dismiss women’s hockey. When will you start prioritizing womens hockey?

— Cailey Hutchison (@caileyhutch13) December 24, 2021

Hey @IIHFHockey can we talk about re-scheduling the women’s u18 tournament?

— Hilary Knight (@HilaryKnight) December 24, 2021

It’s super insulting & degrading to announce the cancellation (not even postponement or relocation) of the Women’s U18 WHILE a men’s tournament is being carried on not once but TWO YEARS IN A ROW. Do better

— Shannon Szabados (@ShannonSzabados) December 24, 2021

The IIHF has prioritized & held top division men’s events during the pandemic but the top division women’s events – cancelled – again. UNACCEPTABLE. Figure out how to safely play the U18 Worlds this season, just like the U18 men & #WorldJuniors. These players DESERVE to play too. https://t.co/QhDwaPdM4r

— Kendall Coyne Schofield (@KendallCoyne) December 24, 2021

This is beyond disappointing. The IIHF has continually prioritized top men’s events during the pandemic but the u18 women’s event is cancelled – AGAIN. The u18 women’s tournament must be safely played the this season, just like the U18 men & #WorldJuniors. They deserve it. https://t.co/i3YdlP2wRC

— Meghan Duggan (@mduggan10) December 24, 2021

Hey @IIHFHockey can we talk about re-scheduling the women’s u18 tournament?

— Hilary Knight (@HilaryKnight) December 24, 2021

We’re disappointed but not surprised the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship was cancelled for the 2nd year in a row. We see the inequitable decisions affecting women’s hockey more harshly than our male counterparts. It’s even worse this tournament will not be rescheduled. pic.twitter.com/clHvLEso4U

— Players’ Association of the PHF (@nwhlpa) December 24, 2021

Look, I love the World Juniors, but it’s very disappointing to see the IIHF do everything in its power to keep the tournament going and then toss the Women’s U18’s aside yet again. Just isn’t fair to those athletes who work just as hard. https://t.co/qtcEG1avZc

— Alex Thomas (@Alex_Thomas14) December 24, 2021

Hockey world not impressed with cancellation of women’s under-18 worlds
Source: Pinas Ko Mahal