Hockey Canada’s Board of Directors voted in favour of the policy, which the organisation believes offers the best chance to forward safely.

The policy applies to all participants in events, including players, coaches, event staff and spectators.

"Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Hockey Canada and its board of directors have voted to implement a policy mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for all participants who are active in any international or national event hosted in Canada, including all on- or off-ice activities or programs hosted or controlled directly by Hockey Canada," a Hockey Canada statement read.

"This means that all participating players, coaches, team staff, on-ice officials, event volunteers, spectators and any other individual associated with an event who is in contact with the aforementioned group must have received the necessary doses of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the start of the event.

"Hockey Canada will consider exemptions based on guidance from government and public health authorities, as well as experts retained by the organisation.

"A great deal of advice and expertise was reviewed before enacting this policy, and we believe this is the best decision to allow our organisation to move forward safely."

Hockey Canada claimed the organisation has sought to make decisions with the health and safety of participants and communities in mind.

The organisation last month were forced to cancel upcoming National Women’s Under-18 Championship, Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup and World Junior A Challenge events.

The vaccination status of some international teams was cited as one of the key reasons for the cancellations.

The status of the visiting teams was deemed to have created uncertainty over which countries and regions would be able to safely compete.

Hockey Canada has expressed hope that the new COVID-19 policy will aid the return of major events and avoid further cancellations.

"We strongly believe this policy will assist us in making the hockey environment safe and will serve as a path to a normal Hockey Canada season schedule in due time, including bringing major events to a number of communities across the country in the safest way possible," Hockey Canada said.

"As Hockey Canada strives to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19, our organisation is also strongly recommending COVID-19 vaccinations prior to participating in sanctioned activities of Hockey Canada and its 13 members.

"Hockey Canada commends its members, local hockey associations, leagues, teams and municipalities that have already implemented mandatory vaccine requirements in their jurisdictions, and will continue to work with our members towards a more uniform approach across the country.

"Hockey Canada’s members, associations and leagues are required to follow the advice of their provincial or regional public health authority as it relates to implementing the minimum standards specific to the prevention of COVID-19, including vaccinations."

Hockey Canada added that the 2022 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer will be played under a national interest exemption regarding vaccination.

The organisation claimed that COVID-19 protocols will be in place, while allowing fully vaccinated ticket holders to attend.