CHL cancels playoffs, Memorial Cup over COVID-19

For the first time in 102 years there will be no Memorial Cup champion, as the Canadian Hockey League decided in partnership with Canada’s three major-junior hockey leagues to cancel their respective postseasons and the year-end championship tournament.

The CHL announced the news in a joint news release with the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The Memorial Cup was to be played in Kelowna, B.C. May 22-31.

“We have continued to monitor the latest updates and advice from all public health agencies and medical experts, and worked tirelessly to determine a scenario by which the balance of our season could be played. Unfortunately, given the troubling state of our global climate and public welfare, there is still too much risk and uncertainty to move forward in good conscience,” the CHL said in the news release.

Over the last two seasons the Prince Albert Raiders and the Swift Current Broncos were the Western Hockey League’s representatives, respectively, as WHL champions at the Memorial Cup.

In a statement, Western Hockey League commissioner Ron Robison said, “Nothing is more important to the WHL than the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans. Without any ability to predict as to when it will be safe and responsible to return to play, the WHL has made the difficult decision to cancel the WHL Playoffs and the balance of the 2019-20 season. All of us at the WHL will continue to do our part in battling this virus so that we may be in a position to enjoy more WHL hockey.”

This year’s WHL regular season was to end on March 22.