Six days after putting its season on hold, the WHL officially announced Wednesday that the 2019-20 regular season was over.
The league’s board of governors, after consulting with doctors, cancelled the remaining 54 games on the regular-season schedule due to concerns over COVID-19.
“The WHL takes the safety of our players, officials, staff, fans, and everyone associated with the WHL very seriously,” commissioner Ron Robison said in a media release. “Given the ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19, we deemed it necessary to cancel the remaining games on the 2019-20 WHL regular-season schedule.
“We will continue to monitor ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19. We will make every effort possible to conduct the 2020 WHL playoffs at a later date. We thank WHL fans and partners for your patience and understanding during these challenging times.”
The Portland Winterhawks (45-11-3-4) finished first overall and claimed the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as regular-season champions. The Everett Silvertips (46-13-3-1) were second overall, with the Edmonton Oil Kings (42-12-6-4) third.
The Prince Albert Raiders (36-18-6-4) finished eighth overall and won the East Division title, while the Saskatoon Blades (34-24-2-3) were 12th overall. Both Prince Albert and Saskatoon qualified for the playoffs.
The Regina Pats (18th, 21-34-6-2), Moose Jaw Warriors (21st, 14-44-4-0) and Swift Current Broncos (22nd, 10-48-2-3) all failed to reach the post-season.