Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Commissioner David Branch, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), announced today the cancellation of the 2020 OHL Playoffs.

The CHL additionally announced the cancellation of the 2020 Memorial Cup that was scheduled to be held in Kelowna, BC from May 22-31, 2020. The 2021 Memorial Cup will be hosted by the OHL in May 2021.

Following consultation with the CHL’s Board of Directors as well as the OHL’s Board of Governors, it was determined that extreme precautions must be taken in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the League’s annual Championship trophies, the J. Ross Robertson Cup as well as the Memorial Cup, will not be awarded in 2020.

The League has continued to monitor ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19. Given the troubling state of our global climate and public welfare, there is still too much risk and uncertainty to move forward in good conscience.

“This is a very difficult decision,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “In times like this, the safety of our players, officials, staff, fans and the general public is paramount.

“The environment that we currently find ourselves in is much more important than the game of hockey, and we all have a part to play in getting through these difficult times together. At the appropriate time, when it is safe to do so, our players look forward to returning to the ice in our passionate hockey communities to assist in the overall healing process.”