The Winkler Flyers impressive bounce back season came to an end Friday afternoon.

The Canadian Junior Hockey League, in conjunction with its 10 member leagues and Hockey Canada, have officially cancelled the remainder of the 2019-20 season, due to the ongoing global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

As a result, all hockey-related activities, including the MJHL Playoffs, the ANAVET Cup and the Centennial Cup Canadian National Junior A Championship will not be held.

The Flyers, who finished in third place with a record of 38-17-2-3, were playing the Virden Oil Capitals in the opening round of the playoffs. The Caps led the best-of-seven quarterfinal two games to one when the season was cancelled.

In further consultation with Hockey Canada, it was determined that the cancellation of the CJHL playoffs is an unavoidable outcome.

“We continue to align our direction, consistent with that of Hockey Canada, and support their overall direction completely. “ said CJHL President Brent Ladds.

“We extend our extreme gratitude, understanding and commend the due diligence put forth by the CJHL’s Executive Board, each of our 10 league commissioners/presidents, their staffs and respective clubs and Hockey Canada in their commitment to safeguard all those involved in our wonderful game,” finalized Ladds.

 
photo courtesy Ryan Sawatzky