Hockey Canada has withdrawn from Spengler Cup due to concerns about COVID-19

This news comes as a surprise to no one…

The men’s hockey team that Canada was slated to send to Davos, Switzerland for the 2021 Spengler Cup has officially withdrawn from the tournament due to the rapidly rising COVID-19 cases worldwide.

“We have a long-standing tradition of participating in the Spengler Cup, and it is disappointing that we are unable to attend the prestigious event this year,” said Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney, and president/COO Scott in a statement.

“However, we strongly believe this is the right decision to maintain the health and safety of our players, coaches and support staff that were set to represent Canada.”

Canada won the last edition of the tournament, which was held back in 2019.

It appears likely that NHL players will also withdraw from the upcoming men’s Olympic tournament in February. That announcement is expected to happen in the coming days.