Image Credit: Kootenay International Junior Hockey League

By Dylana Kneeshaw

2020-21 SEASON CANCELLED

KIJHL cancels season after provincial restrictions extended

Feb 6, 2021 | 1:15 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) says it has decided to cancel the 2020/21 season.

The league announced today (Feb. 6) it will cancel the regular season and playoffs, including the Teck Cup championship.

The decision comes after Friday’s announcement from the province to extend current pandemic restrictions until at least late February.

The league had initially planned to have the 17 clubs, including the Kamloops Storm and Chase Heat, play in cohorts over three phases in the season.

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“We are disappointed for our players, team staff, volunteers, sponsors, game officials and fans that the 2020/21 season will not be completed,” KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois states in a release. “Over the past number of months we have made every effort possible to keep our athletes on the ice and to give all of them, and especially our graduating 20-year olds, the opportunity to compete for a league championship.”

“However, the further extension of the PHO takes us beyond where our regular season would typically end and our playoffs would begin,”” continues Dubois. “As we approach March and April, we are faced with the reality of arenas removing their ice for the spring and summer, and that leaves us unable to plan for a meaningful conclusion to our season.”

KIJHL teams still have the option to continue training under the current provincial health guidelines, and exhibition games may still be played if restrictions are eased.

To read the full release, click here.