The Quality Foods Oceanside Generals support the decision of Hockey Canada to cancel all its sanctioned events including the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League playoffs, due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
“The safey of our players, staff, volunteers and of course our fans is the most important priority at this time,” said club president Gerry Bickerton. “We wish to thank our fans, volunteers, and many partners in the Oceanside community for continuing to support the Generals organization. We will continue to communicate updates as they become available to us.”
The Generals were scheduled to play the first game of their seven-series North Island playoffs final against the Campbell River Storm this week. The opener was rescheduled once and then supposed to take place March 14 at Oceanside Arena.
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But on Thursday, Hockey Canada made a decision to cancel all affiliated activities that include provincials and playoffs throughout until further notice to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The shutdown will affect all B.C. minor hockey associations and academies, the BC Hockey League, Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, and Pacific International Junior Hockey League, along with the Western Hockey League of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).
“Without question, this is an unprecedented period of difficulty for the sports world,” said chief executive officer Tom Renney. “The health and safety of all participants in sport, including players, coaches, staff, officials, fans, family, volunteers and the general public, is of the utmost importance to Hockey Canada.”
Renney said after much consultation with the Hockey Canada membership, its chief medical officer and public health officials, activities will be shut down beginning Friday, March 13.
“We recognize the tremendous effort that has been put forth all year by individuals across the country as they participate in Canada’s game,” he said. “Although it is difficult to process the hockey season ending abruptly, we feel this is the best course of action in order to do our part in keeping our country safe.”