MOUNT FOREST – The Mount Forest Patriots were in the midst of a seven game series against the Wingham Ironmen when the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) playoffs were put on hold March 13 as a result of COVID-19 concerns.
A posting on the team’s website states Hockey Canada has announced the decision to pause the 2019-20 hockey season due to the Coronavirus situation.
The league wants to complete this season as soon as it is safe to do so and prudent.
“The health and safety of our team, fans, sponsors, executive and our community as a whole is our top priority,” officials say. “The Patriots intend to keep fans up-to-date through social media as more information becomes available.”
Updated statement
On March 13, the following statement was made on behalf of the PJHL from chair Sandra Neubauer and commissioner Terry Whiteside, regarding the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“The health and safety of players, staff, volunteers and fans is of utmost importance to the PJHL. The past 24 hours, as we monitored the situation, saw changes nearly hourly.”
The press release added following a conference call on the morning of March 13, with its governing body the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) and member leagues, it became clear that the Hockey Canada directive is that the 2019-20 PJHL season has been cancelled. This includes all Hockey Canada sanctioned activities including all games, playoffs, try-outs, practices, camps, team activities, programs and provincial, regional and national championships.
