QMJHL ON HOLD, OHL’S DECISION IN THE PIPELINE
Hockey Canada adds to cancellations with shutting down all sanctioned activities
There were more signs on Tuesday the hockey season is slipping away.
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has cancelled the remainder of its regular season, which was scheduled to end on March 21, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ontario Hockey League has scheduled a phone conference with general managers on Wednesday morning and it would not be surprising to see it follow suit.
As of now, the QMJHL made no mention of calling off playoffs or the Memorial Cup.
A statement, released by the Spitfires on behalf of co-owner, president and governor John Savage on Tuesday, said the club’s offices are closed until April 6 with staff working from home, if possible.
Savage also said there would be no layoffs and game-day staff would be compensated for the final two regular-season home games.
“The health and safety of all is our priority now,” Savage said in the statement. “Everyone please be safe and fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
Meanwhile, Hockey Canada put an end to the 13th Annual Ontario Hockey Federation/ OHL U15 Program of Excellence Camps.
The program for players that would be eligible for the 2021 OHL Draft, was set to hold a camp at the WFCU Centre from May 8-10. Other camps were set for Toronto, Kitchener, Oshawa and Sudbury.
“Without question, this (is) an unprecedented period of difficulty for the sports world,” a statement, on behalf of Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney and COO president Scott Smith, said. “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.
“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.
“We recognize the tremendous effort that has been put forth all year by individuals across the country as they participate in Canada’s game. Although it is difficult to process the hockey season ending abruptly, we feel this is the best course of action in order to do our part in keeping our country safe.
“We do not take this decision lightly. It is important to remember that at the heart of this is the health and well being of all the players, coaches, officials, team staff members, volunteers, and family members involved. The support and dedication that we have had from the community in the promotion and endorsement of this event is very much appreciated and has not gone unnoticed.”
The OHL Cup, which was to run this week for players eligible for the April 4 draft, has already been cancelled and the league also announced on Tuesday that the OHL Combine, for this year’s draft-eligible players, has also been called off.
“The OHL is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all participants and feel that this is the most prudent decision for all involved,” the lea gue said in a statement.