The idea was that the JVM for the U18 girls would be played in Linköping and Mjölby in mid-January.

However, recommendations and restrictions introduced due to the spread of covid-19 have led the IIHF to decide to cancel the championship.

- First and foremost, I am extremely sorry for the girls, this is the second year in a row that it is canceled.

Two JVMs in a row shatter many dreams.

The worst feeling in one is probably that the IIHF - once again - at such short notice makes this decision, says SVT Sports expert Maria Rooth.

"Not given the same opportunity"

The expert understands that you are acting because of the corona and believes that you should have respect for the virus.

- What I have a problem with is that you do it at short notice and that nowhere in the decision is it told that it will be played later or that you should try to do it.

You care very little about the girls.

They let the guys play and be in a bubble, which I have no problem with, they have had the conditions to do so.

The girls have not been given the same opportunity;

to be in a bubble and get to JVM in good time.

How could one have done differently?

A "copy and paste".

In youth hockey, the IIHF should be more at the forefront for the girls and boys to have similar conditions, if it is now the case that the girls mean just as much.

There's a lot of talk, but I think decisions like this show that boys' hockey is more valuable.

The girls have not done that, most likely because it would cost money to do the same for them.

- In addition, it would have been possible to have a plan B in case the championship is canceled.

Then, for example, one could have thought of another venue.

"A clear statement"

Is the IIHF's talk about developing women's hockey seen as empty words after such decisions?

- Absolutely.

On the women's side, there have in principle been protests.

It does not feel like it is a priority event, but it is perceived as quite easy for them to go to the medical expertise and come to the conclusion that "no, we have corona, so now we have to shut down".

I think that sends the clear message that boys' hockey is more important.

They should have put their foot down earlier and shown that both are equally important.

This will be a clear statement.