A minimal amount of players hit the ice in Campbell River for practice on Monday, Mar. 9. Many of the Storm players are under self isolation for flu-like symptoms. (Mark Berry/Campbell River Storm)

By Alex Rawnsley

SERIES POSTPONED

Illness to Campbell River players delays VIJHL playoff series with Oceanside

Mar 10, 2020 | 2:53 PM

NANAIMO — The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) has taken the precautionary measure of postponing the start of its North Division final playoff series due to health concerns.

The Oceanside Generals and Campbell River Storm were set to square off in game one of their best-of-seven series on Tuesday, Mar. 10 in Parksville, however BC Hockey postponed the contest in addition game two in Campbell River on Friday night.

Barry Petrachenko, CEO of BC Hockey said in a statement on Tuesday several Campbell River players are self-isolating for flu-like symptoms.

“The VIJHL, in consultation with BC Hockey and the Island Health Authority are taking the measures to be extremely cautious in situations with any illnesses,” Petrachenko said in a statement.

The BC Hockey release said extra precautions are being taken given the current coronavirus situation.

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The province announced seven new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. on Tuesday, all in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. There remain no confirmed cases of the virus on Vancouver Island, including players and staff from the Storm.

Oceanside Generals president Gerry Bickerton told NanaimoNewsNOW while his team is completely healthy, they support BC Hockey’s decision.

“Hockey-wise it’s frustrating but public safety wise this has to be done,” Bickerton said. “With what’s happening right now, BC Hockey went and did their questioning and they’ve made their decision.”

Campbell River Storm head coach Lee Stone forwarded interview inquiries to BC Hockey, who did not return calls for comment.

The best-of-seven series is now scheduled to begin Saturday, Mar. 14 in Parksville.

The rest of the games will be played on the original dates, with makeup games added to the end of the series if needed.

The BC Hockey League announced a series of changes ahead of the second round of playoffs due to begin Friday, Mar. 13.

Players will no longer be allowed to shake hands with teammates, opposition players or officials. Direct contact with fans at games or community events is also being strongly discouraged.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley