The IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship Division II in Turkey has been cancelled because of the increase in covid cases across the world.
Great Britain U18 Women were due to play in the eight-team tournament in Istanbul from 21st to 27th January.
IIHF President, Luc Tardif, said: “These are hard facts to have to face and as with last year, we must take the difficult decision to cancel men’s and women’s IIHF events, including the women’s U18 top division now for the second year in a row.
“It is the consensus of the IIHF Medical Committee that the organisers would not have the capability to manage an outbreak of the virus, especially with the rapid transfer of the omicron variant that we have seen in the NHL and other leagues.”
GB U18 Women’s Head Coach, James Ashton, said: “I feel so gutted for the girls who have worked so hard to be on the roster, but totally understand why the decision has been made.
“I know the girls will be devastated the tournament is not happening, but they can be proud they were named on the team.
“But we will regroup and start the plans for 2023 in the coming weeks.”