CANMORE – The Alberta Junior A Hockey League (AJHL) is stopping the 2020-21 season until further notice to abide by the province's new COVID-19 restrictions announced this week.
In three weeks, the league's board of governors will meet Dec. 19 to "determine a timeline and updated protocols for return to play."
"The AJHL is on pause until existing limitations are lifted and we are permitted to safely return," said Ryan Bartoshyk, AJHL commissioner in a press release on Wednesday (Nov. 25).
As a result of new Provincial restrictions, the AJHL season is on pause until existing limitations are lifted and we are permitted to safely return. The AJHL Board of Governors will reconvene on December 19th, 2020 to determine a timeline and updated protocols for return to play. pic.twitter.com/u14LxOAz0Z
— TheAJHL (@TheAJHL) November 26, 2020
On Tuesday (Nov. 24), the Alberta government declared a state public health emergency and placed a mandatory three-week restriction on social gatherings and business operations, as well as all levels of sport.
"Unfortunately, just in the last three weeks we've seen nine outbreaks coming from hockey games, amateur hockey games that have been played in the province," said premier Jason Kenney at Tuesday's announcement.
Leagues can apply for exemptions if they have well developed safety plans.
As of Sunday (Nov. 22), players from four AJHL teams tested positive for COVID-19, including from the Canmore Eagles. The local club has been hit hard with an outbreak and reported 14 cases among players and staff as of Wednesday (Nov. 25).
"Our organization won't be moving forward without the safety of our community, first and foremost," said Andrew Milne, Eagles head coach and general manager. "The two weeks in isolation are a drop in the bucket compared to what the ramifications and the bigger picture are."
Milne, who tested positive for the virus, added they've had strong billet support and the club has done as much as possible to mitigate the exposure.
Two of the players in isolation are Lane Paddison and Lukas Jirousek, who checked in on a Zoom call that was posted to the Eagles social media.
Of the already shortened 32-game AJHL season, the Eagles have played two games, winning both, and so far have had eight games cancelled.
The team's next scheduled game is Jan. 2 against the Okotoks Oilers at the Pason Centennial Arena.
