Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the decision has been made by Hockey Canada to cancel the 2021 National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Dawson Creek, BC (October 31, 2021 – November 6, 2021), the 2021 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup, and the 2021 World Junior A Challenge.

Additional details on the cancellation of Hockey Canada’s Fall Events can be found by clicking here.

Despite the precautionary measures that had been implemented by Hockey Canada and the host committee in Dawson Creek, BC, there was still significant concern surrounding the pandemic and its implications for the 2021 National Women’s Under-18 Championship. Ultimately, Hockey Canada did not feel that they would be able to ensure the proper safety measures that would be necessary to move forward with an event.

Hockey Manitoba realizes that this is disappointing news for our athletes that were selected for the 2021 Female U18 Program of Excellence. We share this disappointment as the Female U18 program has been one of the pillars of our development programming for over a decade. The Female U18 program and corresponding National Championship provide an excellent opportunity for development at the highest level which has benefited numerous athletes in our province as they have moved on play USports, NCAA and at the international level.

The cancellation of a second consecutive National Women’s Under-18 Championship creates a significant gap in the development opportunities available to our U18 female athletes.

Hockey Manitoba, along with the other three Western Branches (Hockey Saskatchewan, Hockey Alberta, and BC Hockey), are in the process of exploring all potential options to operate an event that can fill the gap left by the cancellation of the National Women’s Under-18 Championship.

While this situation is ongoing, we will continue to update our membership on any developments pertaining to a replacement event for the National Women’s Under-18 Championship.

Any inquiries pertaining to this announcement can be directed to Bernie Reichardt, Director of Development (breichardt@hockeymanitoba.ca).