Finland women's hockey vs. Canada ppd. as virus depletes roster

"While all stakeholders recognize the disappointment of not playing the game as originally scheduled, this was a responsible and necessary decision that reflects the spirit of the Olympic Games and the integrity of the competition, All stakeholders thank teams, partners and fans for their cooperation and understanding, and look forward to the rescheduled game being played under safe and appropriate conditions."

"Most of them are getting better but not healthy enough to play. And there's the chance that if we would play it could influence Team Canada and their health as well. But I couldn't risk my players if they were ill yesterday to play tonight because that would be wrong against the individual."

The Finland women's hockey team's opening game against Canada was postponed and rescheduled to Feb. 12 after a norovirus outbreak depleted the roster. Only eight skaters and two goalies attended an early-afternoon practice while 13 players remained in quarantine or isolation. The postponement provides two additional rest days before a scheduled game against the U.S. on Saturday and avoided an immediate forfeiture. There were concerns that playing could affect the Canadian team's health and that relying on only ten healthy players for a full game would be unfair. Initial symptoms appeared after a full practice on Tuesday night.

Read at ESPN.com