CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League, in conjunction with its 10 member leagues and Hockey Canada, have officially cancelled the remainder of the 2019-20 season, due to the ongoing global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
As a result, all hockey-related activities, including respective League Playoffs, the CJHL’s four regional championship events (Fred Page Cup; Dudley-Hewitt Cup; ANAVET Cup; Doyle Cup) and the Centennial Cup Canadian National Junior A Championship will not be held.
In further consultation with Hockey Canada, it was determined that the cancellation of the CJHL playoffs is an unavoidable outcome.
“We continue to align our direction, consistent with that of Hockey Canada, and support their overall direction completely. “ said CJHL President Brent Ladds.
“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,” finalized Ladds.
The SIJHL also fully endorses today’s decision.
“The SIJHL fully supports this very difficult, but necessary decision by Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League to cancel the remainder of the playing season,” offered commissioner Bryan Graham.
“It is always the league’s mandate to provide a safe environment for our players, coaches, team staff, on-ice and off-ice officials as well as our loyal fans. Following a great regular season and parity throughout the SIJHL, the league was certainly looking forward to a very exciting and competitive playoffs ahead for the Bill Salonen Cup,” said Graham.
“A special thank you to our sponsors and corporate partners for their continued support of Junior “A” hockey. I’d also like to extend my appreciation to the hard working committee members of the 2020 Dudley-Hewitt Cup, which the Fort Frances Lakers were scheduled to host this spring.”
“We will now turn our focus to the 2020-21 season, which will include our latest expansion franchise, the Kam River Fighting Walleye.”