Skip to content

Hockey Canada cancels 2021 national spring tournaments

No announcement as of yet on the 2022 Centennial Cup, scheduled for Estevan

Hockey Canada has announced the cancellation of all spring 2021 national championships, including the Esso Cup, Telus Cup, Allan Cup, and the Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite a strong desire to work with four great communities to host the top players at various levels across the country this season, the health and safety of all participants and the communities at large continues to be of the utmost importance to Hockey Canada,” said Tom Renney, Hockey Canada’s chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer.

“The ongoing pandemic, coupled with the fact that many regions in the country are not currently playing organized hockey, left us with no other option. We believe the decision to cancel our spring 2021 national championships is the safest decision given the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic at a local level, as well as the uncertainty around each region being able to compete for a national championship.”

Hockey Canada says it is grateful for the continued support of local host committees and event partners. It is also appreciative of the commitment and support of all stakeholders and it looks forward to showcasing national championships and all participants to fans next year.

Hockey Canada will continue to work with event stakeholders to host the spring 2022 national championships with a confirmation of all 2022 host communities to be announced in the coming months. Estevan is slated to host the 2022 Centennial Cup national Junior A hockey championship.

The announcement by Hockey Canada comes with local and provincial hockey leagues in limbo since league play halted in late November. The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and the Saskatchewan U18 AAA Hockey League are among those who have yet to decide whether they will resume their season.

The Estevan Bruins had submitted a bid to Hockey Canada to host the 2021 Centennial Cup. Estevan and two cities from B.C., Penticton and Salmon Arm, were on the three-community short-list, and Estevan and Penticton finished in a dead heat for top spot. Hockey Canada eventually awarded the 2021 tournament to Penticton and the 2022 tournament to Estevan.

The 2020 Centennial Cup in Portage la Prairie, Man., was cancelled last year.