Hockey Canada cancels programs and camps through summer; Penticton to host next Centennial Cup

May 27, 2020 | 1:25 PM Pete McIntyre

Hockey Canada has cancelled all programs and national team camps through Sept. 1, but plans to hold “various programming and training sessions” virtually over the summer.

“It is certainly disappointing to come to this decision for our summer events this year, but it is the right decision as we keep the health and safety of our participants a priority,” said Tom Renney, chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “There is level of camaraderie and learning that takes place in-person, but we have found a way to mitigate some of the impact and still share best-in-class experiences through virtual learning. The coaches and professionals in their field will continue to guide and lead our athletes so when we are able to return to hockey, they will be physically and mentally prepared and equipped to compete at the highest level.”

The following national team camps and programs will be delivered virtually:

BFL Canada National Women’s Under-18 Team Summer Camp, presented by Sobeys (April 26 until 2021 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship)
BFL Canada National Women’s Development Team Summer Camp, presented by Sobeys (May 3 until athletes return to university)
Program of Excellence coach seminar (May 25-June 5)
Program of Excellence goaltender development camp (June 9-12)
Canada’s national under-17 development camp (July 19-25)
Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp (July 27-31)

Topics for virtual sessions will include at-home strength and conditioning plans, mental performance plans and check-ins, nutrition, dry-land skills, skating simulations, team-building activities, short-term international competition preparation and meetings with coaching staffs.

Hockey Canada has also announced the 2021 Centennial Cup will be held in Penticton next May, and in Estevan Sask. in 2022.

Portage la Prairie Manitoba, which was set to host the national junior A championship this year, will get a chance to host it in 2023.

The following changes have been made to Hockey Canada event hosting agreements following the cancellation of all spring events this season:

Prince Albert, Sask., which was set to host the 2020 Esso Cup, Canada’s U18 Women’s Club Championship, will retain its hosting rights for the 2021 Esso Cup. Lloydminster, Alta., will host the 2022 Esso Cup.
Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., and Cape Breton, N.S., were awarded the TELUS Cup, Canada’s U18 Club Championship, in 2020 and 2021, respectively, but Hockey Canada has worked with both communities and Members to re-assign future hosting. Cape Breton has been confirmed as the host in 2022, and Saint-Hyacinthe is being considered as the host in 2021 or 2023.
The 2020 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, set to be played in Portage la Prairie, Man., will be hosted in Penticton, B.C., in May 2021. Estevan, Sask., will host Canada’s National Junior A Championship in 2022, with the potential for the event to return to Portage la Prairie in 2023.
Niagara Falls, Ont., was selected to host the 2020 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala & Golf this June, but instead will host the 2021 edition of the event.

Click here for more on the Hockey Canada announcements.