Feb. 5 (UPI) — An Olympic women’s hockey match between Finland and Canada was postponed after a norovirus swept through Finland’s roster, officials said.
The match, scheduled for Thursday, was moved to Feb. 12 at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. The International Olympic Committee, the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee, the International Ice Hockey Federation, Team Finland and Team Canada announced the joint decision.
Finland said more than a dozen players are either sick or quarantining due to exposure.
“The decision was taken following consultations with medical professionals after cases of norovirus were identified within Team Finland,” they said in a statement.
“It was made collectively and in accordance with established health and safety principles, with the health and wellbeing of players, team staff, officials and all tournament participants as the highest priority.”
Officials called the decision “responsible and necessary.”
Sweden beat Germany in the first match of the 2026 Winter Olympics women’s hockey slate Thursday in Milan. Team USA will start its run against on Thursday against the Czech Republic.
Finland is scheduled to play the Americans at 10:44 a.m. EST on Saturday. The Canadians will face Switzerland at 3:10 p.m. Saturday.
All of those contests will air on USA Network. The women’s gold medal game will be held Feb. 19 in Milan.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.