No Memorial Cup due to COVID-19

The Memorial Cup has been cancelled again. The Canadian Hockey League announced its decision Tuesday, citing limitations on travel, border restrictions and quarantining requirements as factors that make it “impossible to produce league champions.” “The CHL is committed to the health and safety of our players, their families and billets, our teams, staff and officials and the communities in which we play,” CHL president Dan Mackenzie said in a statement. “That has driven all of our difficult decisions for the last year as we have dealt with this global pandemic.”

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League started its season in the fall and despite a number of positive COVID -19 cases, its teams played between 26 and 40 games. Two days ago, the league had five teams in isolation and updated its playoffs to begin April 23. Western league teams have played at least two and up to 16 games so far. Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government has not approved a return-toplay plan for the Ontario Hockey League, which isn't about to pull the plug yet. “Despite (the cup cancellation), the league's position has not changed and we remain committed to working with the government to get us back on the ice safely,” the OHL said. The CHL said decisions on the timing and location of the 2022 Memorial Cup will be announced later.