CHL puts WHL and other junior hockey seasons on hold

You can add the Western Hockey League, and Canada’s other two major junior circuits, to the list of sports leagues shutting down due to coronavirus concerns.

The Canadian Hockey League issued this statement just after 1 p.m. Thursday

“The Canadian Hockey League and its three regional leagues, the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League, take the health and safety of our players, fans, volunteers, staff, and general public very seriously.

CHL President Dan MacKenzie with Commissioners David Branch, Gilles Courteau, and Ron Robison have been monitoring the situation in regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) including what local, provincial, and federal health agencies have recommended.

Following consultation with medical professionals and meetings today among the CHL Executive Council, and regional league Board of Governors, the CHL announces that the balance of the 2019-20 season and all hockey activity shall be paused immediately until further notice.”

The fate of the Memorial Cup in Kelowna in May is not yet known.

The Kelowna Rockets issued a statement saying they support the CHL decision.

“The health and safety of our players, staff, guests and community, is of vital importance. We will continue to monitor information and developments provided by the Interior Health Authority, as well as other health authorities across our country.

Our organization will have more information for season ticket holders and ticket buyers in the near future, we hope to provide an update next week. We appreciate your understanding during these unprecedented events,” read the statement.

The National Hockey League put its season on hold earlier today, as did the NBA and MLB.

The NCAA’s March Madness has been cancelled.

The BCHL has yet to issue a statement on their playoffs, but will address the issue later Thursday.

The KIJHL has suspended its playoffs, issuing the following statement:.

“The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League has indefinitely suspended the 2019/20 league playoffs due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19. The KIJHL continues to communicate with B.C. Hockey, who is taking direction from health authorities. The health and safety of everyone involved in the league is our top priority. When the KIJHL has more information with regards to its playoffs, the league will make an announcement.”

The world women’s curling championships in Prince George were also scrapped today.