IHA PARTICIPATION IN THE 2022 IIHF WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022

PRESS RELEASE: Australian National Team Participation World Championships 2022, Senior Womens, IIHF Division II, Group B, March 22 – Croatia

Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2022 IIHF Division II, Group B, Women’s World Championships. IHA had hoped to send our first team overseas since the
COVID outbreak, and we are disappointed to have to make this announcement.

After extensive consultation with team staff and our Chief Medical Officer, the IHA Board of Directors made the decision that we are unable to participate in these events due to several reasons.

Our decision was based on the following:

• Australian Government advice remains at “Do not travel due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel” in countries with high to extreme infectious or exposure rates. (https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/crisis/covid-19-andtravel).
• There remains uncertainty around quarantine requirements for returning residents. This requirement carries with it significant financial cost and would unreasonably extend the time required for our players, coaching staff, and officials to participate in these events.
• The current situation regarding COVID-19 in Australia, along with the associated lockdowns and domestic travel restrictions has significantly impacted team selection and preparations.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Australia is rapidly changing with the Omicron variant spreading rapidly through the Australian community we are faced with many challenges in assembling the Australian Team. With continuing unknown factors we are left with the unfortunate decision of withdrawing our team for the health and well-being of all our players and staff.

IHA remains in constant contact with the IIHF regarding our participation and wishes to thank them for their continued support and appreciation of our current circumstances.

We look forward to seeing our players participating in our “Green & Gold” soon.

Sincerely
Grove Bennett
President / Director
Ice Hockey Australia
Grove@iha.org.au
+61 488 428 808