SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Coronavirus (COVID-19) has resulted in a premature end to the 2019-20 hockey season.
The latest league to announce the cancellation of its playoffs, effective immediately, is the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL).
“The MHL board of governors convened Friday morning to continue discussions surrounding the health and safety of players, team staff members, on and off-ice officials, volunteers, and fans,” said a league statement issued early Friday afternoon.
The release goes on to say the “Canadian Tire Cup playoffs are cancelled due to the threat of potential exposure and contamination of all parties involved.”
This announcement came after the MHL announced on Thursday night it was suspending the start of the playoffs.
It’s tough news for the Summerside Western Capitals, who were expected to embark on a long playoff run after finishing with a league-best 42-7-3 (won-lost-overtime losses) and were the second-ranked team in the final Canadian Junior Hockey League rankings.
“I truly believe our team could go to the Centennial Cup (national championship),” said Caps general manager Pat McIver. “I’m devastated for our players, our staff, our fans and sponsors.”
The MHL’s announcement means the only other team on P.E.I. that could possibly play again this season is the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, which is part of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The CHL, which operates on its own and features 60 teams in Canada and the United States, announced on Thursday it was pausing play in the QMJHL, Ontario Hockey League and Western Hockey League.
Hockey Canada
Hockey Canada issued a media release Thursday night explaining that the national body’s board of directors voted to cancel all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities, including national championships, effective Friday, March 13, until further notice.
"We recognize the tremendous effort that has been put forth all year by individuals across the country as they participate in Canada's game," read the Hockey Canada statement. "Although it is difficult to process the hockey season ending abruptly, we feel this is the best course of action to do our part in keeping our country safe."
This decision impacts all minor, junior and senior hockey, Hockey Canada-accredited schools and university hockey. Provincial and Atlantic championships, at every level, will not be held and high-performance activities (such as the Program of Excellence on P.E.I.) are also cancelled at this time.
“This decision is unprecedented, but it does not get made lightly,” said Hockey P.E.I. in a statement. “This decision was made in clear focus for the safety of the members across the country. “We recognize that there are going to be many questions and a lot of work arising out of this decision. However, we ask for your patience as we work diligently in organizing and resolving those questions. “We will continue working with Hockey Canada and medical experts in monitoring the situation and continuing to provide you with information where necessary.”
The U Sports national men’s and women’s hockey championships opened in Halifax and Charlottetown on Thursday. Shortly after the evening’s second game of the day concluded, U Sports announced the cancellation of both events.
Other P.E.I. leagues whose post-seasons have been cut short include the Island Junior Hockey League, P.E.I. Major Bantam AAA Hockey League, West Prince Senior Hockey League, P.E.I. Junior C Hockey League and the provincial major midget championship series. A number of minor hockey provincial championships were also called off.
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