WHL scraps remainder of regular season
Blades had two home dates left
A playoff-bound Saskatoon Blades squad will await a delayed post-season.
On Wednesday, the Western Hockey League announced that it was cancelling the remainder of the 2019-20 regular season, due to growing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, with hopes of still progressing with the playoffs at a later date.
The Blades had five games remaining in the schedule that will now be cancelled, with two of those set to be played at home against the Regina Pats and Prince Albert Raiders.
“My first thoughts go out to the 20-year-olds from our league who won’t have a chance to say goodbye after long careers and meaningful service to our league and their communities,” Blades general manager Colin Priestner said in a released statement. “It’s not the way anyone wants to end their WHL careers.”
Hockey and sports in general are on the back burner while the health of our planet is at risk
Given the pandemic sweeping the globe, Priestner said there is really no other option at this point.
“Hockey and sports in general are on the back burner while the health of our planet is at risk,” he said. “As much as we hoped to conclude our regular season, it is just not realistic for us to do so. At this point, we are thankful to have been able to play the vast majority of our regular season games to a near conclusion, with only two home games being cancelled.”
Priestner added that the health and safety of “our players, staff and community” remains the Blades’ top priority, and “we are taking every necessary precaution to limit the spread” of the COVID -19 virus.
“These are unchartered waters for all of us and we will get through them together and come out stronger,” Priestner said. “As soon as we have more information to share regarding the playoffs, we will do so, and we want to wish everyone and their families the best through these tough times.”
Meanwhile, all Hockey Canada-sanctioned events have been cancelled for the remainder of the season, putting an abrupt end to minor hockey, university hockey and junior A leagues like the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
Along with their WHL and CHL counterparts, the Blades will remain in continuous contact with medical professionals in Saskatchewan, and hope to provide more clarity to hockey fans soon, Priestner added.
Blades season-ticket members, ticket buyers, and stakeholders are encouraged to email the Blades organization at info@saskatoonblades.com with any questions.