The W-H-L joined the Quebec Major Junior League in cancelling the remainder of the regular-season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keep in mind, that is just the 54 games that were left to play in a regular-season that was to have finished this Sunday…there is no mention of the playoffs, for now. By cancelling the rest of the regular campaign, the final standings are based on points percentage from games played by all 22 teams. That means Portland is the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy winners with the best record, the Prince Albert Raiders are the East Division pennant winners…even though they have the eighth best record overall…and the Saskatoon Blades are 12th overall. Following is the news release from the Western Hockey League and a responding statement from the Saskatoon Blades…
WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES CONCLUSION OF REGULAR SEASON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020
Calgary, Alta. – Western Hockey League Commissioner Ron Robison announced today the conclusion of the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season. Following a meeting with the WHL Board of Governors and consultation with medical professionals it was determined that the remaining 54 games on the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season schedule will be cancelled and not played. “The WHL takes the safety of our players, officials, staff, fans, and everyone associated with the WHL very seriously,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “Given the ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19, we deemed it necessary to cancel the remaining games on the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season Schedule. “We will continue to monitor ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19. We will make every effort possible to conduct the 2020 WHL Playoffs at a later date. We thank WHL fans and partners for your patience and understanding during these challenging times.” The final standings for the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season are determined by using win percentage for all Clubs. 2019-20 WHL Regular Season Standings – FINAL
| # | Playoffs | Team | GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | PTS | PCT |
| 1 | xyz | Portland Winterhawks | 63 | 45 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 97 | 0.770 |
| 2 | x | Everett Silvertips | 63 | 46 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 96 | 0.762 |
| 3 | xy | Edmonton Oil Kings | 64 | 42 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 94 | 0.734 |
| 4 | xy | Kamloops Blazers | 63 | 41 | 18 | 3 | 1 | 86 | 0.683 |
| 5 | x | Spokane Chiefs | 64 | 41 | 18 | 4 | 1 | 87 | 0.680 |
| 6 | x | Medicine Hat Tigers | 63 | 41 | 19 | 2 | 1 | 85 | 0.675 |
| 7 | x | Lethbridge Hurricanes | 63 | 37 | 19 | 2 | 5 | 81 | 0.643 |
| 8 | xy | Prince Albert Raiders | 64 | 36 | 18 | 6 | 4 | 82 | 0.641 |
| 9 | x | Winnipeg ICE | 63 | 38 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 77 | 0.611 |
| 10 | x | Brandon Wheat Kings | 63 | 35 | 22 | 4 | 2 | 76 | 0.603 |
| 11 | x | Calgary Hitmen | 64 | 35 | 24 | 4 | 1 | 75 | 0.586 |
| 12 | x | Saskatoon Blades | 63 | 34 | 24 | 2 | 3 | 73 | 0.579 |
| 13 | x | Vancouver Giants | 62 | 32 | 24 | 4 | 2 | 70 | 0.565 |
| 14 | x | Victoria Royals | 64 | 32 | 24 | 6 | 2 | 72 | 0.563 |
| 15 | x | Kelowna Rockets | 63 | 29 | 28 | 3 | 3 | 64 | 0.508 |
| 16 | x | Seattle Thunderbirds | 63 | 24 | 32 | 4 | 3 | 55 | 0.437 |
| 17 | Red Deer Rebels | 63 | 24 | 33 | 3 | 3 | 54 | 0.429 | |
| 18 | Regina Pats | 63 | 21 | 34 | 6 | 2 | 50 | 0.397 | |
| 19 | Prince George Cougars | 62 | 20 | 34 | 4 | 4 | 48 | 0.387 | |
| 20 | Tri-City Americans | 63 | 17 | 40 | 4 | 2 | 40 | 0.317 | |
| 21 | Moose Jaw Warriors | 62 | 14 | 44 | 4 | 0 | 32 | 0.258 | |
| 22 | Swift Current Broncos | 63 | 10 | 48 | 2 | 3 | 25 | 0.198 |
x = Clinched playoffs y = Clinched division title z = Clinched Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy (WHL Regular Season Champion)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades understand and support the WHL and CHL’s decision to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 regular season, and remain hopeful towards competing in the playoffs at a later date.
“With regard to the cancellation of the regular season, my first thoughts go out to the 20-year-olds from our league who won’t have a chance to say goodbye after long careers and meaningful service to our league and their communities,” said Blades GM Colin Priestner. “It’s not the way anyone wants to end their WHL careers. Given the pandemic sweeping the globe there is really no other option at this point, and hockey and sports in general are on the back burner while the health of our planet is at risk. As much as we hoped to conclude our regular season, it is just not realistic for us to do so. At this point, we are thankful to have been able to play the vast majority of our regular season games to a near conclusion, with only two home games being cancelled.”
The health and safety of our players, staff, and community remains the Blades’ top priority, and we are taking every necessary precaution to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“These are unchartered waters for all of us and we will get through them together and come out stronger,” added Priestner. “As soon as we have more information to share regarding the playoffs we will do so, and we want to wish everyone and their families the best through these tough times. “
The Blades remain in continuous contact with medical professionals in Saskatchewan, along with the WHL and CHL, and hope to provide more clarity to our fans soon.
Season ticket members, ticket buyers, and stakeholders are encouraged to email us at info@saskatoonblades.com should you have any questions. We thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support through these unprecedented events.
