Today’s Poll

BC Hockey cancels 2021 Cyclone Taylor Cup, KIJHL still looking at restart to season

The Nelson Daily Sports
By The Nelson Daily Sports
January 5th, 2021

In a prepared statement Tuesday, the BC Hockey has announced the cancellation of the 2021 Cyclone Taylor Cup and 2021 Coy Cup.

The Cyclone Taylor Cup is BC Hockey’s Junior B Championship which features league winners from the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL), the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL), the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) along with a host team.

KIJHL teams include the Nelson Leafs, Grand Forks Border Bruins and Castlegar Rebels of the Murdoch Division.

The other two teams in the KIJHL, Beaver Valley Nitehawks and Spokane Braves, decided not to ice teams for the 2020-21 season.

“BC Hockey’s priority remains the health and safety of all participants and our communities,” said Cameron Hope, BC Hockey Chief Executive Officer.

 “The decision to cancel these events is the safest and best decision in light of continued uncertainty of this pandemic and the competition and travel implications associated with these events.”

KIJHL Commissioner Jeff Dubois said the league is disappointed that the 2021 Cyclone Taylor Cup will not be contested.

“It was unavoidable given the current pause on our season and the logistical challenges involved in planning a tournament that includes representatives from three different leagues,” said Dubois.

“This decision does not impact our plans for the restart of the current KIJHL season, other than it provides additional scheduling flexibility as we await a firm date for continuing regular season play.”

The Coy Cup is the BC Hockey Senior Male AA Championship.

The KIJHL played a handful of games in November before the league postponned games due to an order restricting travel in the province due to the higher COVID-19 number by BC Public Health.

The KIJHL was hopeful to resume games if COVID-19 case numbers subsided, allowing BC Public Health to relax travel restrictions.

BC Hockey said it is making the decision in collaboration with the respective leagues and teams at these age divisions and categories.

The British Columbia Intercollegiate League (BCIHL), featuring club teams from universities across BC, made the decision to cancel their 2020-2021 season on November 26, 2020.

The Central Interior Hockey League (CIHL), has seven (7) of BC Hockey’s senior Male AA teams, chose to cancel their 2020-2021 season

“We thank everyone for their input and understanding at this time,” BC Hockey said.

Categories: Sports

Other News Stories

Opinion