The Hlinka Gretzky Cup, a tournament featuring the world’s top under-18 male hockey players, has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The eight-country tournament was scheduled for Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta. “Although this was a difficult decision to make, we believe it is in the best interest of everyone involved given the uncertainty at this time,” Hockey Canada said in a statement Tuesday. “The health and safety of players, staff, officials, fans, family, volunteers and the general public is of the utmost importance to Hockey Canada.” [ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ] Many players don’t participate in the International Ice Hockey Federation’s men’s world under-18