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Raiders forward Dante Hannoun holds the Ed Chynoweth Cup. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)
season comes to an end

No repeat for the Raiders

Mar 23, 2020 | 5:17 PM

The Prince Albert Raiders will not have a chance to repeat as WHL Champions.

The CHL has announced the cancellation of the 2020 playoffs in all three of the country’s major junior hockey leagues along with the Memorial Cup.

Play was paused March 12 amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Voice of the Raiders Trevor Redden told paNOW the decision is not a total shock.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a huge surprise. I think given the way that this all played out, it seems like the longer-term outcome was all the more likely,” he said.

Redden added the announcement is still likely a disappointing one for everyone involved. For defencemen Zach Hayes, Jeremy Masella and forward Brayden Watts, the announcement is maybe more profound, as all three are 20-year-old players and not eligible to return next season.

Redden said the end is also a let down for the organization. Before the suspension of the regular season the Raiders were at the top of the east division and optimistic about the upcoming playoffs.

“I know the team thought they had what it took to repeat, so it’s unfortunate to see it come to an end,” he said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn

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