On Aug. 5, 2018 Canada and Czech Republic battled in pre-tournament action at the Servus Arena as part of the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup (Photo: Hockey Canada/Rob Wallator)

By Troy Gillard

work continues on world juniors at this time

2020 Hlinka Gretzky Cup cancelled

Apr 28, 2020 | 10:31 AM

Hockey Canada announced on Tuesday that the 2020 edition of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scheduled for Aug. 3-8, has been cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tournament brings together the world’s top 16-and-17-year-old players as they represent their countries. It’s also the first chance for NHL teams to get an in-person look at top rated prospects for next year’s NHL Draft.

Edmonton and Red Deer co-hosted the tournament for the first time in 2018 and are scheduled to do so again in 2022.

Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, shared a joint statement regarding the decision to cancel.

“The health and safety of players, staff, officials, fans, family, volunteers and the general public is of the utmost importance to Hockey Canada, and although this was a difficult decision to make, we believe it is in the best interest of everyone involved given the uncertainty at this time,” the statement reads.

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“Hockey Canada is grateful for the continued support of our event partners, including the National Hockey League (NHL), Canadian Hockey League (CHL), Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG), the Red Deer Rebels, Hockey Alberta, the Czech Ice Hockey Association and the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation, as well as the Government of Alberta, the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer, Edmonton Events and Tourism Red Deer. We look forward to returning to the Czech Republic and Slovakia for the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and will continue to work with our partners to ensure the event will be a success in Alberta in 2022.”

Those who have purchased tickets for the 2020 Hlinka Gretzky Cup through private ticket launches will be contacted by May 15 regarding ticketing options, including a full refund.

Meantime, Hockey Canada says they are continuing to work with OEG and the Red Deer Rebels in preparation for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, scheduled for Dec. 26, 2020 through Jan. 5, 2021 in Edmonton and Red Deer.