Dumfries tournament cancelled
There will be no Under-18 Women's World Championship event in Dumfries this season after the Division II Group A tournament was one of 10 cancelled by the IIHF, but bosses from Ice Hockey UK and Dumfries and Galloway Council remain committed to international ice hockey returning in the future.
Great Britain Under-18 Women were set to play on home ice for the second time in three years, with the UK scheduled to host the competition in January next year.
However, the IIHF Council voted today to cancel 10 tournaments between December 2020 and February 2021, which also includes GB U20s Men's trip to the Division II Group A tournament in Romania in February 2021.
Ice Hockey UK general secretary, Andy French, said: “Everyone understands this decision but it doesn't make it any less disappointing.
“We were looking forward to working with Dumfries and Galloway Council, as well as the Dumfries Ice Bowl, on another international tournament.
“The IIHF have made the right call in cancelling these tournaments early, so everyone is fully aware of the situation.
“International ice hockey will return to the UK that is for sure. We have a great track record of hosting tournaments, especially in Dumfries, and we plan to bid for many more in the coming years.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council events champion, councillor Adam Wilson, said: “The cancellation of this championship event is, of course, disappointing for our region.
“However, public health protection must come first. We support the decision of IIHF and we look forward to working with them and Ice Hockey UK to bring ice hockey events to our region and Dumfries Ice Bowl in the near future.”