This year's SJHL playoffs, along with all Hockey Canada events, have been postponed until further notice due to COVID-19 concerns.
The announcement came at around 7:20 Manitoba time March 12, following a series of suspensions and postponements throughout Canadian hockey. Several other leagues including the NHL, AHL, ECHL, USHL, all three CHL leagues and other junior A leagues, including the MJHL, have suspended play. The first cases reported in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan were reported March 12.
A statement issued by the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), the overseeing body of Canadian junior A hockey, confirmed the suspension of play.
Playoffs for all 10 member leagues including the SJHL, the four regional championships organized by the CJHL (including the Anavet Cup, which pits the winners of SJHL and MJHL against each other for a Centennial Cup spot) and the Centennial Cup have all been “cancelled until further notice.”
“Further updates on the playoffs, the five events and any other relevant information regarding this evolving situation will be announced when they become available,” reads the statement.
CJHL president was quoted as saying, “In lieu of the world-wide events and ongoing implications of COVID-19 and following in-depth deliberations with our executive board and each of the commissioners/presidents, along with consultations with medical experts, as well as Hockey Canada, the decision has been made to put a hold on the season for the time being.”
“We will continue to stay abreast of the situation as it evolves and we will provide further updates as they become available,”
In a statement issued by Hockey Canada, the sport's nationwide governing body announced the end of the season and cancellation, pending further notice, of all events effective March 13. The cancellation includes national championships, including the Centennial Cup, the national junior A championship tournament.
“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," read a statement issued by Hockey Canada chief executive officer Tom Renney.
"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."
Earlier March 12, the SJHL issued a statement saying it would continue to play games as previously planned, but individual games were announced as postponed later in the day. The scheduled fifth game of the series between the Melfort Mustangs and Estevan Bruins was postponed around 5:30 local time Thursday. Another ongoing series between the Battlefords North Stars and Nipawin Hawks was announced as postponed about twenty minutes later.
"The SJHL has provided its teams with several precautionary health advisories to follow regarding the coronavirus," read the first statement released by the SJHL.
"Should higher levels of government or hockey administration issue restrictions, the SJHL will determine what is in the best interest of our players, teams and fans at that time."
The Flin Flon Bombers will be left to sit at home, having disposed of their first-round opponents Humboldt in four games, finishing March 11.
It is unknown when or if full playoff action will resume.
