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Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
February 06, 2021 - 6:00 PM
Following the provincial health officer's extension on COVID-19 restructions, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League has cancelled its 2020/21 regular season and playoffs.
The decision was made following Friday’s update, Feb. 5, from the provincial government that includes an extension of the restrictions until the end of February.
The league had already been put on pause in November with the rollout of the provincial health orders.
READ MORE: B.C. COVID-19 rules on socializing and masks extended to end of the month
“We are disappointed for our players, team staff, volunteers, sponsors, game officials and fans that the 2020/21 season will not be completed,” says KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois, in a press release issued by the league. “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."
The provincial order's extension "takes us beyond where our regular season would typically end and our playoffs would begin,” he said.
In March and April, arenas will be removing their ice for the spring and summer, so the league will be unable to plan a conclusion to the season, he said.
KIJHL clubs will have the option to continue to train under the current provincial health officer guidelines, and the possibility remains that exhibition games may be played if restrictions are relaxed.
At the end of January, the Revelstoke Grizzlies, part of the KIJHL, announced it would cancel its 2020/21 season as multiple players contracted COVID-19.
READ MORE: Revelstoke hockey team cancels season as players contract COVID-19
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