Hockey Canada suspends minor hockey across the country

You'd never think this could happen in Canada. Hockey Canada, the organization that oversees all minor hockey in the country, has suspended "all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities, including our national championships, until further notice, effective Friday, March 13, 2020."

This includes all junior "A" and "B" action and minor hockey across Canada. The move comes in the wake of the NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS and several other sports-related groups taking similar actiosn earlier Thursday in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19. The World Women's Hockey Championship had previously been cancelled until next year. The World Health Organization has recommended the suspension of events involving large groups of people.

In its official release, Hockey Canada said: "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.”

All provincial Hockey Canada related groups will take the same action if they haven't already. This seems unthinkable in a country where hockey plays such a large roll in everyday life but the entire situation involving the novel Coronavirus has brought about many measures not seen before or in a very long time.

MUST READ

33 minutes ago  |  By David St-Jean Pierre LeBrun's latest Matthews and McDavid report changes everything

42 minutes ago  |  By David St-Jean Canucks' coaching search may be falling apart behind the scenes

1 hour ago  |  By David St-Jean Alex Ovechkin sends clear message about his future and retirement

2 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Huge surprise waiting for Martin St-Louis could change everything

3 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Stan Bowman's Oilers strategy has NHL fans debating blockbuster trades

4 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Canadiens facing elimination as NHL prematurely reveals Cup Final dates

5 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean What Martin St-Louis said about Bell Centre fans after humiliating loss stunned everyone

8 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Gavin McKenna makes it known which NHL organization he wants to be drafted by

MORE STORIES