Atom Fiesta hockey tournament cancelled, but Venables shows still on

By Dale Boyd

The 46th Annual Atom Fiesta minor hockey tournament in Osoyoos is cancelled as BC Hockey joins Hockey Canada, the KIJHL, the BCHL and professional sports leagues taking precautionary measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the total number of cases up to 53 in the province, Minister of Health Adrian Dix and B.C.’s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry discouraged gatherings of 250 or more people, and advised against travel outside of Canada, including the U.S.

“We are looking at event organizers, whether it’s community events, whether it’s large events, to look at alternatives they can use to keep that connectedness and social cohesiveness,” Henry said.

The Venables Theatre is still going ahead with shows planned for this weekend.

“Since we are a smaller venue we are still holding our events with audiences less than 250 people. The three events this weekend are going as planned and then we are working with the artists and promoters to plan a course of action around the shows in the near future,” said Leah Foreman, theatre manager.

The Atom Fiesta cancellation came amid a wave of suspensions of sporting and other events including the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) playoffs, the Canadian cross-country ski championships in Vernon,  professional sports with the NBA and NHL suspending their seasons. The South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton cancelled all upcoming concerts and shows in a statement saying staff are working “to reschedule upcoming performances and will provide updates as quickly as possible.”

Tom Renney, chief executive officer of Hockey Canada and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, released a statement on March 12 stating they are cancelling all events for the time being.

“After much consultation with the Hockey Canada membership, our chief medical officer and public health officials, the Hockey Canada Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities, including our national championships, until further notice, effective Friday, March 13, 2020,” the statement reads.

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) has decided to indefinitely suspend ongoing playoff games due to concerns regarding COVID-19.

“The health and safety of everyone involved in the league is our top priority,” a statement from KIJHL communications reads. “When the KIJHL has more information with regards to its playoffs, the league will make an announcement.”