MINSK, 7 May (BelTA) – The 2022 Men's Ice Hockey Final Olympic Qualification has been rescheduled from 2020 to 2021. The IIHF Council agreed on the decision during an online conference, BelTA learned from the official website of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
“We are fortunate that we still have some time to play these tournaments, and so that a move to August 2021 will still allow these teams to be able to ice their best players,” said IIHF President Rene Fasel as he commented on the decision.
The Men's Final Olympic Qualification Group D was initially scheduled to take place in Bratislava from 27-30 August 2020. The new dates will be 26-29 August 2021. Belarus will play Slovakia, Austria and Poland.
The decision was taken due to various health concerns and travel restrictions as a result of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The postponement of the event was approved by the IOC Executive Committee.