The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League went dark Tuesday night out of an admitted abundance of caution regarding COVID-19.
Oceanside Place in Parksville was expected to be buzzing with Game 1 of the best-of-seven VIJHL North Division final between the Oceanside Generals and Campbell River Storm.
But the series start was postponed to Saturday because several players are self-isolating due to flu-like symptoms.
The second game was scheduled for Friday at Rod Brind鈥橝mour Arena in Campbell River. The start of the series has been pushed back to Saturday night at Oceanside Place. Dates and times for the remaining games are to be announced.
鈥淎t this time, the postponement of the [first two] games is precautionary,鈥� sa国际传媒 Hockey CEO Barry Petrachenko of Victoria said in a statement.
鈥淲ith the ongoing international health situation involving COVID-19, extra precaution is being administered. Currently, no player or staff member on either team has been diagnosed with COVID-19, however several players are self-isolating for influenza-like symptoms on the recommendation of public health officials.鈥�
Better to play it safe, added Petrachenko: 鈥淭he VIJHL, in consultation with sa国际传媒 Hockey and the Island Health Authority, are taking the measures to be extremely cautious. The health and safety of our participants is our priority.鈥�
The VIJHL is the first hockey league in the province to be affected by concerns over COVID-19.
鈥淐urrently, no other league playoff games or sa国际传媒 Hockey championship have been postponed,鈥� said Petrachenko.
The second game of the VIJHL South Division final between the Victoria Cougars and Peninsula Panthers will be held as scheduled tonight at 8:30 at Archie Browning Sports Centre. The third and fourth games are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 at the Panorama Recreation Centre. The Cougars lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.
Oceanside defeated the Kerry Park Islanders 4-1, while Campbell River outlasted the Nanaimo Buccaneers 4-2 in the best-of-seven North Division semifinals.
The regular-season champion Cougars dispatched the Saanich Braves 4-0, while the Panthers beat the Westshore Wolves 4-1 in the South Division semifinals.
The South and North champions will meet in the league final.
