Hockey Canada announced on Thursday that it was canceling all events, including the national championships, until further notice. The cancellation also means that all of Canada’s junior leagues have come to a halt.
The cancellations include each of the CJHL’s 10 member league’s playoffs, the four regional championship events (Fred Page Cup; Dudley-Hewitt Cup; ANAVET Cup; Doyle Cup) as well as the Centennial Cup Canadian National Junior A Championship slated for Portage la Prairie, Man., this May.
Further updates on the playoffs, the five events and any other relevant information regarding this evolving situation will be announced when they become available.
With the safety and well-being of all parties concerned being paramount the CJHL provided insight on the decision that has been made.
“In lieu of the world-wide events and on-going implications of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and following in-depth deliberations with our Executive Board and each of the commissioners/presidents, along with consultations with medical experts, as well as Hockey Canada, the decision has been made to put a hold on the season for the time being,” stated CJHL president Brent Ladds.
“We will continue to stay abreast of the situation as it evolves and we will provide further updates as they become available,” added Ladds.
“We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation in this delicate matter and join all of our members and partner organizations is wishing everyone to the stay safe while using the utmost care and precaution in the coming days and weeks.”
Hockey Canada’s full statement read:
“Without question, this an unprecedented period of difficulty for the sports world. The health and safety of all participants in sport, including players, coaches, staff, officials, fans, family, volunteers and the general public, is of the utmost importance to Hockey Canada.
After much consultation with the Hockey Canada membership, our Chief Medical Officer and public health officials, the Hockey Canada Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities, including our national championships, until further notice, effective immediately.
We recognize the tremendous effort that has been put forth all year by individuals across the country as they participate in Canada’s game. Although it is difficult to process the hockey season-ending abruptly, we feel this is the best course of action in order to do our part in keeping our country safe.“
