OTTAWA, ONTARIO – January 11, 2022 – CARHA Hockey announced today the postponement of the CARHA Hockey World Cup in Richmond, British Columbia, to 2023 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. New dates are being finalized and will be released shortly. 

The decision was reached as a result of the growing challenges presented by the new variant, specifically Omicron, and out of an abundance of caution for all those involved. The health and safety of the players and the community of Richmond is of utmost priority as preparations were underway to host the largest international adult recreational hockey tournament.

“CARHA Hockey has once again made the difficult decision to postpone the World Cup to 2023. At the forefront of this decision is the consideration for the athletes and their families, the community of Richmond, and all the partners involved in the Event. Postponing the Event was unfortunate but necessary given the state of the pandemic locally and globally, and we look forward to making this a better and safer event in 2023 for all those involved,” says Pam Lacroix, Manager, Richmond Sport Hosting.”

With the postponement to 2023, organizers of the CARHA Hockey World Cup, along with its partners, will be able to focus on delivering the calibre of event it is known for and participants have come to expect. The international tournament draws participants from more than 12 countries from around the world to celebrate their passion for hockey and explore what the Host City has to offer. The week-long Event provides a celebration of hockey that includes more than 260 games, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and unparalleled camaraderie for our hockey community in the Athletes’ Village.

“Although postponing the CARHA Hockey World Cup is not what we had hoped for, our association believes it is the right decision. Looking to 2023, we are excited to create an epic experience for all participating players, the Host City and the Richmond, BC community at large. We are confident that with this decision, we will be in a better position to provide adult recreational hockey teams from around the world the opportunity to join us in what is sure to be a spectacular hockey experience of a lifetime while keeping everyone safe,” says Lori Lopez, Executive Director, CARHA Hockey

CARHA Hockey looks forward to hosting the CARHA Hockey World Cup in 2023 in Richmond, British Columbia, and welcomes you to join us.

For media inquiries, please contact Becky Kolberg at BKolberg@CARHAHockey.ca or 613-608-3753.