THUNDER BAY -- The remainder of the Superior International Junior Hockey League season has been officially cancelled.
League officials made the decision on Friday, in conjuction with the Canadian Junior Hockey League, to not attempt to finish the regular season or complete the 2019-20 playoffs.
It was a tough decision to make, but the right one, said league commissioner Bryan Graham.
"The SIJHL fully supports this very difficult, but necessary decision by Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League to cancel the remainder of the playing season," Graham said in a joint release with the CJHL.
"It is always the league's mandate to provide a safe environment for our players, coaches, team staff, on-ice and off-ice officials as well as our loyal fans. Following a great regular season and parity throughout the SIJHL, the league was certainly looking forward to a very exciting and competitive playoffs ahead for the Bill Salonen Cup."
Earlier in the day the federal government urged Canadians to avoid all unnecessary travel and discouraged large groups from gathering in public to help stem the spread of COVID-19, a coronavirus earlier this week declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
The move also cancels the four regional championships, including the Dudley Hewitt Cup, which was scheduled for next month in Fort Frances, and the national championship, the Centennial Cup.
“We continue to align our direction, consistent with that of Hockey Canada, and support their overall direction completely. “ said CJHL president Brent Ladds.
“We extend our extreme gratitude, understanding and commend the due diligence put forth by the CJHL’s Executive Board, each of our 10 league commissioners/presidents, their staffs and respective clubs and Hockey Canada in their commitment to safeguard all those involved in our wonderful game."
