The IIHF agreed in principle to hold the 2021 women's world hockey championship between Aug. 20-31, with a new venue still being decided.

The tournament was originally supposed to be held from May 6-16 in Nova Scotia, but the provincial government canceled the event last week due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"The players, the teams, Hockey Canada, and the IIHF have been placed in a difficult position due to the sudden cancellation. But this is not an excuse to operate this tournament as a half-measure," IIHF president Rene Fasel said. "We needed a range of dates that can work for the teams and also would allow for comprehensive broadcast coverage as well as a chance for spectators to be able to attend the games."

The event's cancelation without an apparent Plan B pushed American superstars Hilary Knight and Kendall Coyne Schofield to call out the IIHF for its lack of preparation.

The IIHF and Hockey Canada are working to find potential venues within the country, and a new host is expected to be selected in the coming weeks.

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