The Yukon First Nations Hockey Association has released the following statement.
The 43rd Annual Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament scheduled to take place in Whitehorse later this month has been cancelled over concerns surrounding the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Following a consultation with Yukon's Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Catherine Elliott, the board of directors of the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 tournament.
Association President Michelle Dawson Beattie said in the statement, "While this was an incredibly difficult decision for our board to make, we do believe that it was the right thing to do in light of the circumstances and the many unknowns concerning COVID-19. The possibility of infection of any of our tournament goers and the subsequent threat that would pose to their families and home communities, was not a risk our board was willing to take.
While there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in the territory and the risk remains low at this time, the situation is changing quickly both internationally and within Canada and could potentially change within the two week period leading up to the tournament's start date. The decision to cancel is a precautionary measure made in the interest of protecting the health of all involved.
The board will release further information over the coming days regarding refunds for team fees and tournament passes.

Teslin RCMP arrest two following search warrant
CYFN's Moccasin Mobile Outreach Program receives national recognition for harm reduction efforts
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 25th February (Audio)
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Yukon Government partner on Dawson land planning initiative
Yukon University strike averted as union reaches tentative agreement
Yukon Government seeks input on new École Whitehorse Elementary School location
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games schedule unveiled
Jeremy Harper elected as Chief of Selkirk First Nation
Yukon government pauses implementation of Health Authority, considering repealing Health Authority Act
Yukon University withdraws from AWG
$300,000 fund boosts student attendance initiatives in Yukon schools
Whitehorse to host 2026 Broomball World Championships
Harper to run for SFN chief
Helicopters head to Alaska for exercise
First Nations warn of increased scrutiny at US border, citing ICE actions
Art brings hope to Whitehorse Shelter amidst challenging times
Yukon Schools to benefit from national School food program
Yukon Liberal Party shuffles leadership