For the first time in it’s 102 year history, there will be no Memorial Cup Champion.
The CHL along with the QMJHL, WHL and OHL announced on Wednesday that there will be no playoff hockey this spring, and the 2020 Memorial Cup scheduled for the end of May in Kelowna will be cancelled.
The Covid-19 pandemic originally put the CHL season on hold, but with the recent developments and rapidly increasing case numbers accross Canada, the Governors decided there was only one option on the table.
“Nothing is more important to the WHL than the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “Without any ability to predict as to when it will be safe and responsible to return to play, the WHL has made the difficult decision to cancel the WHL Playoffs and the balance of the 2019-2020 season. All of us at the WHL will continue to do our part in battling this virus so that may be in a position to enjoy more WHL hockey.”
At the time of the regular season postponement, the Brandon Wheat Kings had five games remaining on their schedule and were on pace to meet the Winnipeg ICE in the first round of the WHL Playoffs begining this coming weekend.
“The CHL, WHL, OHL and QMJHL, all take great pride in providing the best environment for our players both on and off the ice with health and safety for them and all stakeholders of our game, at the forefront,” said CHL President Dan McKenzie. “We look forward with hope that next season will provide new opportunity to celebrate, and that the Memorial Cup will be presented at our prestigious, hosted by the OHL in May of 2021.”
The Memorial Cup, was originally scheduled from May 22-31st in Kelowna.
Meanwhile, reports from around the league suggest the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft will be moved to an online format. Details are expected to be released on Wendesday during the Draft Lottery.
