â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

KIJHL formally cancels season after indefinite COVID-19 restrictions

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) has officially decided to pack it in for the year.

The 2020/21 regular season and playoffs as well as the Teck Cup Championship will not proceed this year following the decision by the KIJHL’s governing body.

“We are disappointed for our players, team staff, volunteers, sponsors, game officials and fans that the 2020/21 season will not be completed,” said Jeff Dubois, KIJHL Commissioner. “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 decision was formally made following Friday’s update from Dr. Bonnie Henry that the B.C. Government would be extending the current restrictions indefinitely.

“The further extension of the PHO takes us beyond where our regular season would typically end and our playoffs would begin,” added Dubois. “As we approach March and April, we are faced with the reality of arenas removing their ice for the spring and summer, and that leaves us unable to plan for a meaningful conclusion to our season.”

MORE: B.C. extends enhanced COVID-19 restrictions indefinitely (Feb. 5, 2021)

At this time, KIJHL clubs still have the option to train under the current COVID-19 guidelines, with the possibility for exhibition games if restrictions remain as they are. However, meaningful action between clubs is now officially off the table with the cancellation of the season.

“I’d like to thank all of our stakeholders for their patience and understanding during a difficult and challenging season,” said Dubois. “Our athletes and staff members have done a tremendous job of keeping everybody safe, and our billet families deserve special recognition for welcoming players into their homes during this pandemic. We look forward to being back on the ice this fall and getting back to the game we all love.”

Bradley Jones
Bradley Jones
Delivering local news and sports in the East Kootenay since April 2016, Bradley now calls Cranbrook home. Born and raised in Airdrie, AB, Bradley graduated from Lethbridge College, and has been a journalist, news anchor and reporter since 2014. Bradley took on local News Director responsibilities when he moved to Cranbrook in 2016. He is now Vista Radio's Kootenay News Director, managing and overseeing all news operations at the company's five regional radio stations in Cranbrook, Creston, Nelson, Castlegar, and Grand Forks.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

BCGEU strikes expand, but with “minimal impact on the public”

The union representing thousands of public service workers in British Columbia escalated job action across the province on Tuesday. 

Interview – Cops for Kids cyclists ride through the Kootenays

Afternoons with Andrea on Kootenay's Summit Radio interviews Castlegar RCMP officer Ron George and Nelson representative BC Sherriff Rob Crowder, both riders, about the 2025 ride.

Graphic novel to recount Nelson teen’s secret flying lessons

A Victoria multidisciplinary artist will devote a month-long artist residency to telling the story of her grandmother's teenage years in Nelson — and her secret attempt to become a pilot.

B.C. wildfire season extends into September, with hundreds under evacuation orders

While September brings shorter days and cooler nights, B.C. officials are stressing the risk of wildfire remains high. 

B.C. wildfire season extends into September, with hundreds under evacuation orders

While September brings shorter days and cooler nights, B.C. officials are stressing the risk of wildfire remains high. 
- Advertisement -