Hockey Alberta will forgo any provincial championship tournaments in 2021.
The organization made the announcement Thursday in a statement, citing uncertainty in the continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This decision has been made with the safety of all our members and participants in mind,” the statement read.
“Within the current environment in Alberta related to COVID-19, hosting tournaments will likely not be possible, and making this decision now will ensure that members do not waste time, money and other resources in planning to host tournaments.”
Hockey Alberta also said they are working towards getting players back on the ice safely, in some way through the rest of the season. They added that cancelling provincial tournaments allows individual organizations to plan the remainder of their year.
“Establishing the meaningful competition that is required to identify and move teams from League play into Playoffs will not be easy. However, as we return to play this season, leagues will have the ability to still find ways to determine a champion,” Hockey Alberta added in its statement.
The organization is optimistic that they will be able to host provincial championships again in 2022.
