The Miniota-Elkhorn C-Hawks will not be able to claim the North Central Hockey League championship for the third straight year.
The senior league announced on Jan. 13 that it was cancelling the 2020-2021 season. The league had not yet played a game this season.
“With the continuation of the Public Health restrictions due to COVID-19, we felt there would be no chance to salvage the season,” the NCHL stated on its website. “The league believes the safety of players, officials and fans is paramount.”
The league plans to meet in meet in the summer of 2021 to discuss next season. With most players likely to return, the C-Hawks had hoped for another success winter on the ice after going undefeated – 20-0 – in the 2019-2020 regular season and winning its second consecutive championship.
“It is disappointing as the guys just love the game and really enjoy getting to play in the rinks that they grew up in at Miniota and Elkhorn,” C-Hawks coach Garth Mitchell said. “Winter in small town Manitoba without hockey just doesn’t seem right, but we understand and are looking forward to next season.”
The C-Hawks appreciate the community support they receive. They hope to be back on the ice next season.
