The Battlefords North Stars season has been suspended, along with the rest of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
It was announced Thursday afternoon by the Canadian Junior Hockey League that the 2020 season was cancelled, "until further notice," because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes playoffs for all 10 member leagues including the SJHL; all four regional championships including the ANAVET Cup: and the Centennial Cup Junior A championship.
Other local hockey cancelled
In addition Hockey Canada has announced the cancellation of all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities. The cancellations include senior leagues including the Sask West Hockey League and Sask Prairie Hockey League, whose playoff finals have been suspended. The Battleford Beaver Blues had been scheduled to host Meota Combines in what for Meota was a potentially Cup-clinching game three of the SPHL finals on Friday, with Meota leading two games to none. That series has been called off.
Wilkie was leading Macklin in the Sask West league finals one game to none; that series is also called off.
The Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA League playoffs are also cancelled, ending the season early for the Battlefords Sharks. The Sharks were slated to face Notre Dame in their first round series this weekend.
Playoffs are also suspended for the Battlefords AA Barons and all other levels of hockey, including the SHA playoffs.
Statement from the North Stars
As for the North Stars, they confirmed on social media that Friday's game with the Hawks is off.
"Tomorrow's Game against Nipawin has been Postponed. Once we and the League have more information we will let you know. Thank You for your patience and understanding," read the statement from the North Stars on Facebook.
On Friday the team issued another statement which reads as follows:
"We know that the news from both the CJHL, SJHL and Hockey Canada has shook us all. While it is disappointing, we understand the need for protective measures at this time.
"At this time, we do not know what the future holds for the SJHL playoffs, but if this is the end of our season, we thank you. Thank you for being loyal fans, for supporting our club, for cheering on our boys. Our staff and players are all trying to navigate through this difficult time, with the small hope that we will be allowed to finish what we set out to do. If that is not the case, we will see you next season & will proceed with offering refunds for all of you who have purchased tickets for Game 5. If we are fortunate enough to continue our playoff run in the near future, we'll see you at The CC!
"Until then... GO STARS GO!"
Recap of Thursday's events
Earlier on Thursday it appeared the SJHL might keep going. The league had issued a statement where they stated they would continue its season as planned, despite announcements from several leagues including the NHL, AHL, and CHL of suspensions of play.
League president Bill Chow had issued a statement that read:
"The Saskatchewan Jr Hockey League will currently continue its season as planned. The SJHL has provided its teams with several prcautionary health advisories to follow regarding the Corona Virus as well as the flu. Should higher levels of Government or hockey administration issue restrictions, the SJHL will determine what is in the best interest of our players, teams and fans at that time."
The Battlefords North Stars had also issued a statement which read: "The League has met with the CJHL regarding the future of the league due to Corona Virus. As per our President, we are still a go for tomorrows Game 5. The office is open until 4:00. Come get your tickets and pack the CC!"
The North Stars later sent out a tweet stating: "If this changes and the CJHL decides otherwise, we will keep everyone posted."
By late afternoon the situation changed drastically with word that the CJHL would be holding a conference call with Hockey Canada to discuss the coronavirus issue further.
After that call the official word came down that the season was indeed being cancelled.
