U.S. team will skip KIJHL season due to COVID-19 rules

The lone American team in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League is pulling out of the upcoming season because it can’t find enough players who have had their COVID-19 shots.

Canada’s protocols require visitors to be vaccinated in order to enter the country, and the Junior B league has announced the Spokane Braves will not participate in its 2022-23 season.

A statement from Commissioner Jeff Dubois says the team found it challenging to fill a roster “despite their best efforts,” and will miss what would have been the franchise’s 50th anniversary season.

“The Spokane Braves are very disappointed that we will not be hitting the ice in September as planned,” said Braves owner Bob Tobiason. “We thank all our volunteers, sponsors and prospective players for their continued understanding and patience, and we remain committed to competing as the KIJHL’s lone American team in 2023.”

As a result of Spokane’s withdrawal, the KIJHL has made a number of adjustments to its 2022/23 regular season schedule. Click here to see those changes.

(The Canadian Press)