The SJHL has announced that their return to play plan presented to the Government of Saskatchewan has been rejected.

In a statement released Tuesday morning, they said;

The Saskatchewan Jr Hockey announces that the 2020-2021 season will not have an ending.

A decision by Saskatchewan Government and Health has been made on the submissions that have been before them, unfortunately, the SJHL will not be allowed to return to play.

In part the current conditions of Covid 19 in the Province of Saskatchewan do not appear to allow a return to play, now or in the next few weeks.

The SJHL will now turn its focus on returning to play in September of 2021 and having a complete season ending with the crowning of the Saskatchewan Jr Hockey League Champion.

William D. (Bill) Chow

President

Saskatchewan Jr Hockey League

The decision is based on the new variants in Regina coming out of the United Kingdom and the rising numbers in the province, despite the fact the WHL is already nearly a full month into their return to play in Regina. The province did give the league an option to wait two or three more weeks before looking at this again.

It was an open secret that Weyburn would serve at the hub for the league, and the decision was made despite the ice being in place, the players were already in quarantine, hotels were lined up, and restaurants were ready to provide team meals.