World U18 Men's Championship
World U18 Hockey As we sit on the cusp of the NHL playoffs, focus is cresting on any and all forms of hockey being played. We have recently seen the cancellation of the Women’s world Championship that was to be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia plus the prior cancellation of several other international tournaments. But with the World U18 Men’s Championship being held in Texas, questions abound as to the validity and doubts raised about why this tournament did not fall into the realm of terminated hockey tournaments. Speculation has been rampant as to why this tournament was being held in, quite arguably, one of the hottest spots for the current global pandemic due to Covid-19. Although strict measures have been taken and all precautions covered, one has to only look at the upcoming Men’s international tournament in late May of this year in Latvia as this, too, has not fallen into the cancelled category. A quick search of the internet will find any information and opinions on this topic. There are mixed reviews as to why some tournaments have been cancelled while it seems as though the preeminent men’s tournaments have been allowed to take place. People have commented that there is a double standard taking place while others have opined that with several extra precautions in effect, it has limited the chance for any issue to occur. Countless others have pointed out that you simply have to look at the NHL and the amount of players and teams affected by Covid-19. Professional athletes across many mainstream sports have been participating in games and practices for the last several months with in-house precautions taking place. But when these athletes leave the rink, court, field, are there certain extra safeguards ready and placed into practice by EVERY athlete? And with all of these extra safeguards being implemented, there are still athletes contracting the virus and/or coming into close contact with someone who has. When we look at the world hockey championships taking place now, it does seem as though all athletes and team staff plus tournament officials are within a type of “bubble” that may negate the exposure of all involved to outside contact. One can only assume that the people that are involved in this tournament and any such subsequent tournaments will be isolated to the extent that they are only allowed to communicate and interact with people affiliated with the program that they belong to and that have passed proper screening. As we continue to travel through this difficult time, we, as hockey fans, find solace in watching a sport that we love being played at the highest level. It is cathartic inasmuch that after over one year of questioning, concerns and isolation, we find a type of peace in seeing our favorite sport being played in any form. So as this hockey season continues and the players that have the opportunity to play this great game endure the trials and tribulations of competitive hockey, let’s keep our focus on staying safe and getting rid of this global scourge once and for all and hope that all hockey payers can get back on the ice soon. Stay safe everyone. The Majer Hockey Team
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