Thunderbirds goalie Roddy Ross makes a save during the team’s 4-2 victory against the Tri-City Americans at the accesso ShoWare Center on Jan. 28. COURTESY PHOTO, Brian Liesse, T-Birds

Thunderbirds goalie Roddy Ross makes a save during the team’s 4-2 victory against the Tri-City Americans at the accesso ShoWare Center on Jan. 28. COURTESY PHOTO, Brian Liesse, T-Birds

Western Hockey League cancels playoffs for 2020 because of COVID-19

No more games this season for Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds

  • Monday, March 23, 2020 3:40pm
  • Sports

Western Hockey League Commissioner Ron Robison announced Monday the cancellation of the 2020 WHL playoffs.

Following a meeting with the WHL Board of Governors and consultation with medical professionals, it was determined that the best course of action was the playoffs not be contested due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Nothing is more important to the WHL than the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison in a news release from Calgary, Alberta. “Without any ability to predict as to when it will be safe and responsible to return to play, the WHL has made the difficult decision to cancel the WHL playoffs and the balance of the 2019-20 season. All of us at the WHL will continue to do our part in battling this virus so that we may be in a position to enjoy more WHL hockey.” .

The league had cancelled the regular season earlier this month.

The Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds had two regular season home games cancelled at the accesso ShoWare Center. The T-Birds also had qualified for the playoffs.

The WHL is a development league for junior hockey players. It consists of 22 member clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the Pacific Northwest.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Sports

Photo provided by Kent School District
Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kentlake

Mikey Hanis (Sr. Cross Country) and Kaia Bott (senior, Cheer) take home this weeks honors.

The Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk in Kent is Saturday, Dec. 14, starting and ending at Hogan Park, 24400 Russell Road. COURTESY FILE PHOTO, City of Kent
Registration open for Kent’s Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk

42nd event on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Hogan Park, 24400 Russell Road

The Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds will play the Everett Silvertips in the fourth annual Battle of the Sound at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. COURTESY PHOTO, Brian Liesse, Seattle Thunderbirds
Kent-based Thunderbirds to play Everett at Climate Pledge Arena

Fourth annual Battle of the Sound set for Friday night, Dec. 27 in Seattle

t
Seattle Storm help Special Olympics athletes at Kentwood High event

Team helps teach basketball skills as part of partnership with state Department of Health

Photo provided by Kent School District.
Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kentwood

Kentwood senior Maimuna Kora (volleyball) and junior Nebay Kidane (cross country) take home awards.

Zoey Sling wins a challenge against Tahoma late in the second half. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Soccer: Chargers draw level with Tahoma 1-1

Kentridge remains unbeaten and eyes league title with two games remaining.

Kentlake’s Lauren Tripp attempts to clear a ball inside the Kentlake defensive third. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentlake girls soccer falls to Decatur 4-0

Falcons held scoreless for first time all season, but aim for postseason.

Senior linebacker Chuka Savini lead the Kentwood defense on a huge stand in the fourth quarter against Auburn. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Football: Kentwood outlasts Auburn in shootout 46-44

Antoine Lee records five touchdowns in the win for the Conks.

t
Former Kentwood High star Vandersloot wins 2nd WNBA championship

Courtney Vandersloot takes title with New York Liberty after winning crown in 2021 with Chicago Sky

Kentwood senior Aly Skagen with a tip over the net for the Conks. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentwood volleyball sweeps Stadium, moves into playoff position

Conks currently sit in fifth place in the NPSL.

Kaylee Futch shows some emotion after a big point for Kentlake. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentlake volleyball dominates Titans in straight sets

Kentlake gets a big win when it comes to the standings, eyes postseason with six games left.

Kentwood’s Diya Thomas and Alyssa Cromwell celebrate a goal with a handshake. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentwood soccer continues hot start in win vs. Bethel

Conks junior Diya Thomas and sophomore Alyssa Cromwell net two goals each in win.