PJHL PULLS PLUG ON 2020-21 JUNIOR HOCKEY SEASON

April 16, 2021

The Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) has decided to formally announce the cancellation of the 2020-2021 season.

While we did everything possible it became evidently clear that a season would not be possible with all the COVID restrictions. With many municipalities removing their ice and using their arenas as vaccination clinics, our teams were without ice to practice or play. And with a league our size the time to operate a season and then some form of playoffs became nearly impossible.

Throughout the non-season many PJHL teams were able to play in a ‘bubble’ format and compete in modified 5 on 5 hockey with no contact. The PJHL followed all approved protocols provided by our local health units and our governing bodies to ensure we did everything possible to prevent the spread of the virus. The safety of our players, staff, officials, volunteers and fans are of utmost importance to us.

When and if restrictions are lifted, some of our teams may continue to skate and provide opportunity for their players to conduct exhibition play. This will involve approvals from their local health units, the league and follow the approved COVID-19 operating protocols.

Our teams will be embracing their communities to help bring hockey, entertainment and business back to life as we all emerge from this pandemic. It will be an enormous task and will take the effort of all of our collective communities to rally together to support each other. The PJHL is community based competitive hockey that stands for all the great things that our communities are known for: active living, personal achievement, leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, competitiveness, and community service.

The PJHL Board of Directors, staff and teams are now all actively engaged in planning for the 2021-2022 season with hopes for a complete return to traditional hockey. We want to thank all of the dedicated players, sponsors, staff and fans of the PJHL for enduring through the pandemic. We look forward to seeing our 63 teams back competing for the Schmalz Cup in 2021-2022.