All Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities cancelled indefinitely

As essentially every major sports league and sporting entity across most of the world is shutting down indefinitely in an attempt to control the spread of coronavirus, the governing body of hockey in Canada is following suit.

“Without question, this is an unprecedented period of difficulty for the sports world.”

Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, wrote in a press release Thursday evening.

“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 immediately.

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.”

As many large and complex operations scramble to adhere to and organize around various travel bans and cancellations across the globe, Hockey Canada would have some serious logistical and scheduling-related hoops to jump through in order to salvage any kind of a championship—be it in a few weeks or later into the summer.

However, with many of the tournaments, events and championships falling under Hockey Canada’s umbrella scheduled to be played within the next three to six weeks (and many of the amateur variety with additional schooling commitments and complications to work through) it’s highly unlikely any of these titles will be handed out this season.

The three national championships impacted include the Esso Cup, (women's U-18 club championship), the TELUS Cup (men’s U-18 AAA championship), and the Centennial Cup (national Junior A champion).

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