UPDATE
The B.C. Hockey League playoffs have been put on ice.
Hockey Canada has announced the suspension of the playoffs for all levels including Junior A and the BCHL.
Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer of Hockey Canada, said the coronavirus pandemic is the reason.
“Without question, this is an unprecedented period of difficulty for the sports world. 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 Friday, March 13, 2020.
“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,” said Smith.
“The Vernon Vipers are in full support of the decision made by Hockey Canada and BC Hockey,” said Todd Miller, executive vice president of the Vipers. “Ticket refunds for games 3 and 4 of the BCHL Interior Division Semi-Final will be available beginning Friday morning at 9 a.m. at the Vipers office in Kal Tire Place. You must have your purchased tickets in order to be issued a refund and there is no time limit on refunds.”
Click here for the BC Hockey article.
The second round of the BCHL playoffs were scheduled to get underway Friday night in four cities including the Vipers visiting the Penticton Vees.
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Original story
Will the BCHL follow the NHL’s lead and suspend action?
The suspension of sports league like the National Hockey League, which was announced today, could impact junior leagues like the B.C. Hockey League as well, but at this point, all of the second round playoff games are going ahead.
Vernon Matters reached out to the BCHL for comment on if it is considering suspending action due to coronavirus concerns.
Vernon Vipers vice president Todd Miller said there is nothing official from the league at this point, but based on what’s happened in other leagues, he would be surprised if the issue wasn’t being talked about by league officials.
“As [it] probably is in every household, every office everywhere at this point,” Miller told Vernon Matters. “Are they prepared to take action at this point? That I don’t know. It’s happening above me and obviously being talked about.”
Miller said he’s been following the situation in junior hockey closely.
“I know about the Seattle and Everett situation [planning to play home games without crowds due to state rules]. I read today the Western League, the Q [Quebec] and the O [Ontario junior league], their commissioners are meeting with the CHL this afternoon and then there will probably be some directive from there. And much like society is going now, everybody seems to be taking orders from above and doing what everybody else is doing. Are we concerned? Sure, a little bit but at the same time it’s business as usual as of now.”
Miller added all teams in B.C. received directives from B.C. Hockey.
“There has been recommendations as far as not shaking hands, not sharing water bottles and that sort of thing. We’re getting daily directives from B.C. Hockey. That being said, there has been nothing said from the B.C. Hockey League that has said ‘we’re looking at suspending action, we’re looking at doing anything different. Do I suspect that is going to change? I don’t know. I think based on everything that’s going on and everything else that is around, you never know, but as of 10 this morning it’s business as usual,” Miller said.
The second round playoff series are set to get underway Friday including the Vipers visiting the Penticton Vees.
