Slovakia's Latkoczy blasts IIHF for canceling world juniors: 'What a joke'

Slovakian goaltender Simon Latkoczy had some choice words for the International Ice Hockey Federation following the cancellation of the 2022 World Junior Championship.

Latkoczy took to Instagram late Wednesday night to air his grievances.

"This goes on IIHF," Latkoczy wrote. "They completely underestimated this tournament. The organization from the first day was terrible. I felt like I am participating at some basic youth hockey tournament."

Latkoczy was particularly upset the organizers put teams in public hotels with everyday citizens where COVID-19 could be contracted easier. There was even a wedding at one of the hotels.

"In our hotel was also a barber shop, restaurant, and boutique, where normal people were welcomed to come," Latkoczy continued. "That restaurant was packed every night. So we were in contact with people who were not part of the tournament all the time. The funniest thing ever is that there was a wedding at our hotel today. What a joke."

The tournament was canceled on Thursday amid rising COVID-19 cases. Four players out of 250 had tested positive ahead of the decision.

Latkoczy started two games for the Slovaks, posting a .927 save percentage. He played in last year's tournament as well, where he sported a .922 save percentage.

The 19-year-old plays for the USHL's Madison Capitols and is committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for next season. He went undrafted in the last two NHL drafts.