Minor hockey season over
While sports fans across North America are lamenting the cancellation of pro sports leagues like the NHL, NBA and MLS due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global health crisis has also led to the shutdown of minor hockey here in la belle province, where every level was put on ice at midnight Friday by Hockey Quebec.
“This decision was made to protect and maintain the security of all our members: players, coaches, volunteers, officials and spectators,” said Hockey Quebec’s chief executive Paul Ménard in a statement.
“In order to reduce the spread of COVID -19, at this very busy time of the year in our arenas in Quebec, we cannot guarantee the number of people present (restricted to 250 people) in each infrastructure (arena, complex, etc.).
“When it comes to health and safety, we can’t take any chances,” added Ménard.
The decision applies to all provincial, regional and school leagues. It also means the cancellation of regional playdowns and the Dodge Cup provincial championships.
Hockey Canada also announced the cancellation of all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities, including national championships, until further notice.
The Telus Cup national midget hockey championships, set for next month in St-hyacinthe, Que., were cancelled Friday.
Many cities across Quebec also have closed their arenas and recreational facilities due to the health crisis.
Andy Brookman, president of Hockey West Island, said there is no plan by Hockey Quebec to reschedule playoffs for a later date.
“It’s done for this year,” he said. “Hockey Quebec made it clear that there will be no more hockey this year, be it provincials or tournaments. They cancelled everything and rescheduled the entry sites for this year’s Dodge Cup over to next year.”
While it’s disappointing to see the minor hockey season end prematurely for nearly 100,000 youngsters across Quebec, Brookman said cancelling the rest of the season, including the Dodge Cup, was warranted given the global health crisis caused by the coronavirus.
“It’s not hard to understand because playoffs and Dodge Cup would have taken place over the next month,” he said. “So I guess we can anticipate that being the period of time this (virus) needs to be controlled.”
Brookman also said he understands why many players, parents and coaches will be disappointed the hockey season is over in March.
“It’s a real shame,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking for coaches and players and everyone. But it’s not just certain people, it’s everyone on the planet basically, now. It’s sad and scary.”