There will be no champion of the B.C. Hockey League in the 2019-20 season following an announcement from the Canadian Junior A Hockey League headquarters in Calgary that the rest of the season has been cancelled for all 10 of its member leagues because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The BCHL playoffs this week were about to begin the second round when the league suspended the season on Thursday, following the lead of the NBA and NHL. Saturday’s final decision means the BCHL playoffs will not resume and the four junior A regional playoff series – Doyle Cup, Fred Page Cup, Dudley-Hewitt Cup and Anavet Cup – have been cancelled.
The Centennial Cup national junior A championship, scheduled for May in Portage La Prairie, will not be played.
“We continue to align our direction, consistent with that of Hockey Canada, and support their overall direction completely,” said CJHL president Brent Ladds, on the CJHL website.
“We extend our extreme gratitude, understanding and commend the due diligence put forth by the CJHL’s executive board, each of our 10 league commissioners/presidents, their staffs and respective clubs and Hockey Canada in their commitment to safeguard all those involved in our wonderful game.”
The Prince George Spruce Kings, the defending BCHL champions, had their season come to an end Feb. 29 when they were swept in the first round by the Trail Smoke Eaters.
On Thursday, Hockey Canada issued the following joint statement on behalf of Tom Renney, its chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, the president and chief operating officer:
“Without question, this is 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 Friday, March 13, 2020.
“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.”
Hockey Canada sets the rules for all minor hockey associations in Canada. The Cariboo Cougars (major midget), Cariboo Cougars (minor midget) and Northern Capitals (female triple-A midget) – are among several local teams whose playoffs have been cancelled until further notice.
The Western Hockey League, which includes the Prince George Cougars, has put its season on hold with less than two weeks left in the regular season. The Cougars were supposed to play road games this weekend in Victoria (Friday and Saturday) and Vancouver (Sunday) followed by games Wednesday in Kelowna and two in Kamloops (next Friday and Saturday).
The ECHL, a professional league with teams in Canada and the United States, also announced Saturday it has cancelled the rest of its season due to the threat of the coronavirus.
