The COVID-19 pandemic has cost the Delta Ice Hawks the opportunity to host the 2021 Cyclone Taylor Cup provincial junior “B” hockey championships.
The four-team event was officially cancelled on Tuesday by BC Hockey. It was slated for April 8-11 at the Ladner Leisure Centre with the Ice Hawks taking on the champions from the Pacific Junior Hockey League, Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League and the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. It would have been the first time in their history hosting the tournament. The 2020 event, slated for 100 Mile House, was also cancelled by the pandemic.
The 2022 host will be announced prior to the end of the current season. It typically rotates between the three leagues but given the two cancellations that could change next year.
“We're disappointed to announce the cancellation of the 2021 Cyclone Taylor Cup. However, under the current circumstances, we believe this is the right decision to make,” said PJHL Commissioner Trevor Alto. “This way, each league can continue to focus on their own return to play for this year.”
The PJHL also announced the cancellations of its All-Star and Prospects games against the VIJHL. Both games were slated for later this month.
The league is hoping to return to its cohort group play, which was put on hold back in November under new COVID-19 restrictions announced by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. Those measures are in effect until Friday (Jan. 8) when they could be eased or extended.
