The WSHL with 26 seasons under its belt has never found itself with the incredible decision it has had to deal with over the last week. What started out as a regional issue in a distant country, in a period of 4 weeks has become “everyone’s” problem. With the spread globally of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) we like many industrial corporations, countries, states, national sports organizations find ourselves having to not only consider the safety of our membership, but the community as a whole.
In the abundance of caution and consideration for the safety of all, last week the WSHL made the decision to restrict and withdraw three teams from the Northwest Division schedule, even with 2 of the Washington teams who would be moving onto playoffs because of the possible exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by members of a team. This was not a cavalier decision on our part, although given the negative comments on social media by people who obviously don’t consider the safety of others, we were painted as the “bad guys.” That abundance of caution was originally made specific to the Washington based teams because of the exposure.
As of 10:00 pm Wednesday March 11, in follow-up to our initial decision based totally on player, staff, spectator, community safety, the WSHL Executive Committee with the approval of the Board of Governors meeting which has taken place at 11:00am Thursday March 12 has terminated the 2019-2020 season, including the league Championship Event – the Thorne Cup.
However, we strongly believe given the circumstances it is the best decision, and was unanimously approved by the board of governors of the WSHL.
Western States Hockey League
Ron White, President
For the most up to date information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) go to:
https://www.cdc.gov/
https://www.who.int/
