Moose Jaw Minor Hockey made the decision Wednesday night to conclude with scheduled ice for all U7, U9, U11 B & C, U13, U15 B, and U18B on February 28th, the U11, U13, U15, and U18 AA and A teams will continue to practice until March 14.

Minor hockey president Chris Flanagan said numbers were going downwards over recent weeks.

A day after the province announced restrictions would continue another month, the minor hockey board met virtually Wednesday night.

"It was kind of a short conversation," Flanagan said. "We came to a point where we've done as much as we can. We're happy we've lasted this long. There have been associations across this province that shut down back in December, and we've continued on and I think it's been the best for kids, for their mental health. It keeps them active, which is very important these days, and it gave them something to look forward to." 

Flanagan said it's unfortunate that it has to come to an end, but they all knew this day was coming. Information regarding refunds will be available by mid-March, with more details being released at a later date.

The organization went on to say they are incredibly proud of the players, parents, coaches, COVID captains, volunteers, and facility staff for the work they did during the unique season, saying they did what they could to make the best of the 2020-21 season, and that planning is already underway for a safe return to hockey in 2021-22.

"I don't think anyone signed up to coach this year, or to have their son or daughter play minor hockey in groups of eight and have essentially no games at all this season," Flanagan said. "It's taken patience, that's the biggest thing we've noticed this year. Everybody has kind of stuck together."