The BC Hockey League is cancelling its season until further notice.
The league was preparing to start its second round of playoffs this weekend. The Coquitlam Express, which won the regular season championship, was to begin its second-round series against the Surrey Eagles Friday at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
BCHL commissioner Chris Hebb said the situation is unprecedented.
“In the interest of public safety, we believe this was the only choice that could be,” he said.
Hockey Canada said it is cancelling all events it sanctions across the country. That includes all minor hockey championships and tournaments. Tom Renney, Hockey Canada's CEO, told TSN, "Hockey is cancelled."
In a statement, the organization said, “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.”
Earlier Thursday, the National Hockey League suspended its season and the all leagues that are part of the Canadian Hockey League quickly followed.Mark Pettie, the Express vice president, said the novel coronavirus pandemic is a “bigger situation” than the team’s playoff aspirations.
“We have to do our part,” he said about the decision to halt the season.
Fans with tickets to playoff games can get a refund by calling the team at (604) 936-4625 or emailing [email protected]a, although the team said in a statement it is hopeful the playoffs can be continued and games rescheduled when the crisis abates.
