BROOKS, AB (March 12, 2020) – Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Hockey Canada and the Alberta Junior Hockey League have suspended the 2020 AJHL Playoffs for a minimum of two weeks.
The Bandits were set to host the Drumheller Dragons for Game 1 of the South Division Semi-Final on Friday.
The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Thursday that effective Friday, March 13, all games and hockey-related activity involving its member clubs have been postponed, until further notice, due to the continued threat of the global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic as well as potential exposure and contamination of its players, team staff members, on and off-ice officials, volunteers and fans.
This includes each of its 10-member league?s playoffs, the four regional championship events (Fred Page Cup; Dudley-Hewitt Cup; ANAVET Cup; Doyle Cup) as well as the Centennial Cup Canadian National Junior A Championship slated for Portage la Prairie, MB, this May.
Further updates on the playoffs, the five events and any other relevant information regarding this evolving situation will be announced when they become available.
With the safety and well-being of all parties concerned being paramount the CJHL provided insight on the decision that has been made.
?In lieu of the world-wide events and on-going implications of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and following in-depth deliberations with our Executive Board and each of the commissioners/presidents, along with consultations with medical experts, as well as Hockey Canada, the decision has been made to put a hold on the season for the time being,? stated CJHL president Brent Ladds.
?We will continue to stay abreast of the situation as it evolves and we will provide further updates as they become available,? added Ladds.
?We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation in this delicate matter and join all of our members and partner organizations is wishing everyone to the stay safe while using the utmost care and precaution in the coming days and weeks.?
The Bandits will have more information for their fans and season ticket holders in the coming days.