WHL Cup cancelled

By Medicine Hat News on November 26, 2020.

The 2020 WHL Cup has been called off.

The Western Hockey League announced the decision to cancel the U16 provincial tournament Wednesday, stating it was made in partnership with BC Hockey, Hockey Alberta, the Saskatchewan Hockey Association and Hockey Manitoba.

“With the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the decision was made with the health and safety of all coaches, staff, and participants as the top priority,” reads a Wednesday release from the WHL, adding the league and its Western branches are optimistic the tournament will return in 2021.

The tournament – which features the top under-16 players from Western Canada representing their home provinces – is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence, and “assists Hockey Canada in evaluating these top prospects in this age group for future high-performance programs,” according to the release.