CHL suspends season

The Canadian Hockey League has announced that it has suspended the 2019-20 season due to health and safety concerns surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Swift Current Broncos currently have five games remaining in the regular season, including two home games, which were scheduled for Friday against the Medicine Hat Tigers and March 20 against the Calgary Hitmen.

The CHL released the followed statement on Thursday afternoon:

“The Canadian Hockey League and its three regional leagues the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League, take the health and safety of our players, fans, volunteers, staff, and general public very seriously. CHL President Dan MacKenzie with Commissioners David Branch, Gilles Courteau, and Ron Robison have been monitoring the situation in regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) including what local, provincial, and federal health agencies have recommended. Following consultation with medical professionals and meetings today among the CHL Executive Council, and regional league Board of Governors, the CHL announces that the balance of the 2019-20 season and all hockey activity shall be paused immediately until further notice.”

The Western Hockey League added the following statement:

Western Hockey League Commissioner Ron Robison announced today the 2019-20 WHL season will be paused until further notice.    Following consultation with medical professionals and meetings today with the CHL Board of Directors, it was determined that all hockey activity in the WHL will be paused until further notice.   

“Following a conference call with the WHL Board of Governors, the Western Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019-20 WHL season, effective immediately,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “The WHL takes the safety of our players, officials, staff, fans, and everyone associated with the WHL very seriously. We will continue to monitor ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19. Our goal is to return to play when it is safe and reasonable to do so.  

“We thank WHL fans and partners for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented time.”

The Swift Current Broncos released the following statement shortly after the announcement:

The Swift Current Broncos take the health and safety of fans, players and staff members very seriously. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League have announced that the balance of the 2019-20 season and all hockey activity shall be paused immediately until further notice. As a result, the Swift Current Broncos have paused all remaining home games until further notice.

Stakeholders of the Swift Current Broncos, including season ticket holders, individual ticket holders, corporate partners, and other partners of the Broncos can expect further updates in the near future.  We appreciate your understanding and patience during these extraordinary circumstances.