The Grizzlies finished the 20-game pandemic season at 14-6 and celebrated with the obligatory champions’ group picture at centre ice. Shortened season or not, the players were not going to be denied that moment.
The second-place Bulldogs (10-5-4) have a game remaining, tonight against the Nanaimo Clippers (8-11), but can’t catch the Grizzlies. The Cowichan Valley Capitals finished at 7-11-2. There are no playoffs.
“I told the players to enjoy this and to appreciate it and that nobody can take it away from them,” said Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon.
“It was a tough season, considering the circumstances, but they stuck to it. They wanted this and deserved it. We had a strong team and deserved the outcome we got. It’s a testament to the players’ dedication and commitment. It’s an especially incredible moment for our six graduating 20-year-olds.”
The rapid tests showed positive but they were confirmed negative in all cases after follow-up testing using the gold-standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The Clippers had paused all team activities and were isolating out of an abundance of caution, but were cleared Friday to resume practice and game play. “The Nanaimo Clippers, like all the BCHL teams, have been diligently following public health orders to eliminate any potential for exposure to COVID-19,” the club said in a statement. “Unfortunately, a news report was released [Thursday] suggesting that a number of Nanaimo Clippers had COVID-19. “That report was based on inconclusive testing, but on further testing, it’s clear that no Nanaimo Clipper player or staff member had or has COVID-19.”