Hockey Canada, in discussions with Hockey Alberta, the local Minor Hockey Associations, and the Leagues, has determined the best course of action in today’s Covid-19 world is to end the Hockey Season as of March 13. As a result, the SCAHL now now concluded for the 2019-20 season.
We did manage to conclude the Bantam post season, with the West Central Tigers taking the League Championship. In Pee Wee and Midget, we made it through game 1 of the League Championship Finals prior to the season ending announcement.
The question that has already have been asked is “who wins the playoff series”. During a conference call with Hockey Alberta and the leagues this question was raised. It was decided as a group if the series was not complete there would be no winner. Therefore the League will follow this decision from the group. The Midget and Pee Wee divisions in the SCAHL this year will only have Conference Champions from the North and South as already determined.
Following is the official notice from Hockey Alberta:
Hockey Canada’s notice (issued Thursday evening) directs that all sanctioned events be cancelled until further notice. Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities include all Hockey Alberta-sanctioned activities (including games, practices, camps and Provincial Championships).
The following is a statement on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, on the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Without question, this an unprecedented period of difficulty for the sports world. 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, 2020.
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.”
*Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities include all Hockey Alberta-sanctioned activities (including games, practices, camps and Provincial Championships).
HOCKEY ALBERTA
The SCAHL at this time wishes to thank everyone who had, to date, made the 2019-20 season a great experience for a great number of young hockey players. While we would have liked to see our season end in the normal fashion, we all understand that the well being of our players, staffs and fans is paramount, and the SCAHL agrees wholeheartedly with the decisions taken.