Western Hockey League cancels playoffs for 2020 because of COVID-19

No more games this season for Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds

March 23, 2020 3:20 pm
Thunderbirds goalie Roddy Ross makes a save during the team’s 4-2 victory against the Tri-City Americans at the accesso ShoWare Center on Jan. 28. COURTESY PHOTO, Brian Liesse, T-Birds

Western Hockey League Commissioner Ron Robison announced Monday the cancellation of the 2020 WHL playoffs.

Following a meeting with the WHL Board of Governors and consultation with medical professionals, it was determined that the best course of action was the playoffs not be contested due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Nothing is more important to the WHL than the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison in a news release from Calgary, Alberta. “Without any ability to predict as to when it will be safe and responsible to return to play, the WHL has made the difficult decision to cancel the WHL playoffs and the balance of the 2019-20 season. All of us at the WHL will continue to do our part in battling this virus so that we may be in a position to enjoy more WHL hockey.” .

The league had cancelled the regular season earlier this month.

The Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds had two regular season home games cancelled at the accesso ShoWare Center. The T-Birds also had qualified for the playoffs.

The WHL is a development league for junior hockey players. It consists of 22 member clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the Pacific Northwest.