For the second straight year, the Memorial Cup has been cancelled because of COVID-19.

In a statement, the Canadian Hockey League says it was a difficult decision to cancel the tournament again but says they did so to protect the health and safety of players, their families and billets, team staff and officials, as well as the communities in which teams are based.

“The decision was made based on the limitations on travel, border restrictions, and quarantining requirements that would make it impossible to produce league champions,” CHL President Dan MacKenzie said.

While both the QMJHL and WHL have been playing their 2020-21 seasons, both leagues have been impacted by positive COVID-19 tests. The OHL has yet to announce its plans for a 2020-21 season.

The 2020 Memorial Cup was to be held in Kelowna, while the 2021 edition was set to be hosted in Ontario either in Oshawa or Sault Ste. Marie.

A decision on the timing and location of the 2022 Memorial Cup will be announced at a later date. It is currently set to be hosted by the QMJHL before returning to the WHL in 2023.

The Kamloops Blazers and Kelowna Rockets have both expressed an interest in bidding for the 2023 tournament.

(Photo via Wikimedia)

Statement from the CHL / Déclaration de la LCH pic.twitter.com/1zlAIYj5j2

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) April 13, 2021