Canada refuses to take to the ice against Russia in Olympic women’s hockey

Feb 7 2022, 4:54 am

Team Canada refused to take to the ice for their latest game in Olympic women’s hockey.

It was an odd scene as the team representing the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) sat and waited for the Canadians to appear. Canada didn’t leave their dressing room. After a lengthy delay, both teams eventually came out while wearing face masks.

Canada was reportedly asking for ROC COVID-19 test results, which were not reported to them by the team’s chief medical officer.

The Athletic’s Hailey Salvian added that ROC had a COVID-19 outbreak earlier in the tournament, with multiple players still in quarantine.

The Toronto Sun’s Rob Longley reported that the game was “delayed until further notice.”

The preliminary round game at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games was scheduled for a 11 pm ET/8 pm PT puck drop, which was moved back to 12:15 am/ 9:15 pm PT.

Hockey Canada added to “stay tuned for further updates” about the Olympic delay, but seemed just in the dark as everyone else while things were going on.

ROC players took their masks off after the second period, while Canada remained wearing them.

Hockey Canada eventually said that “prior to the third period, both teams received the necessary negative COVID-19 test results. The teams were given the option to remove their masks for the final period, but Canada’s players chose to finish the game with masks on.” 

The IIHF said the mask wearing was “out of caution.”

Team Canada has put up a 2-0 record through their first two games, with a 12-1 win over Switzerland and a 11-1 win over Finland. Canada’s next game is scheduled for Monday evening against Team USA, who carry a 3-0 record so far in the preliminary round.

Adam LaskarisAdam Laskaris

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