It what was likely an inevitable decision due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) has officially cancelled this season's playoffs and the 2020 Memorial Cup.
The CHL announced on Monday that CHL President Dan MacKenzie and Commissioners David Branch, Gilles Courteau, and Ron Robison have made the decision to cancel the playoffs for its three regional leagues; the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The 2020 Memorial Cup event, which was scheduled to be held in Kelowna, B.C. on May 22-31, will also not be going forward.
"We have continued to monitor the latest updates and advice from all public health agencies and medical experts, and worked tirelessly to determine a scenario by which the balance of our season could be played," the CHL said in a news release. "Unfortunately, given the troubling state of our global climate and public welfare, there is still too much risk and uncertainty to move forward in good conscience."
This decision follows the hockey league's move on March 12 to pause the hockey season and cancel all remaining regular-season games.
"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 national championship, hosted by the OHL in May 2021," the CHL said.