Women’s hockey game between Canada and USA canceled due to growing concerns over COVID-19

SAINT PAUL, Minnesota — An exhibition game between the Canada and United States women’s hockey teams has been called off.

USA Hockey said in a statement Monday that the contest scheduled for the evening was canceled due to concerns related to COVID-19.

Canada and the United States took part in a nine-game Rivalry series ahead of the Beijing Olympics.

“While it is disappointing not to be able to play the game, the priority remains the health and safety of athletes, staff and the community at large,” Hockey Canada said in a statement.

In addition to canceling Monday’s game, Hockey Canada also postponed the announcement of the Olympic team, which was expected later this week, to a date yet to be determined.

The Canadiens have won four of the first six games in the series and are coming off a 3-2 overtime victory Saturday in St. Louis, Mo. Canada also beat the United States 2-1 in overtime on Wednesday.

The teams are scheduled to meet for two more games in the cross-border series – Jan. 3 in Edmonton and Jan. 6 in Red Deer, Alta.

The 2022 Winter Games will begin on February 4.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on December 20, 2021.