The SIJHL has made the decision to call off efforts to resume the season.
The league and Board of Governors reached the verdict Monday with the Thunder Bay District and the Northwestern region being among one of the hardest hit in Ontario with recent coronavirus activity.
Commissioner Darrin Nicholas, in a statement, stressed they never sought exemptions from public health guidelines and recommendations to resume play.
“This season will be remembered as a roller-coaster of emotions,” reflected Commissioner Nicholas. “From fear we wouldn’t even be able to start, to joy when a pathway back to the ice was available, to optimism that as we progressed conditions might allow for a return to more normal hockey, to hope that we might just be able to continue in any fashion and now finally sadness in facing the reality of where we are today.”
“I would like to personally commend our entire group of team administrators, staff, players and Hockey Northwestern Ontario for the efforts and commitment to provide a safe and positive experience this season.”
The league now shifts focus to planning for its 20th anniversary, which will be the 2021-22 season.
