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.

BC man convicted of manslaughter
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns
Selkirk First Nation announces election results
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal
The Yukon Employees’ Union is weighing in on the Health Authority Act’s uncertain future
The Village of Haines Junction has announced the launch of a new grant program
Yukon's air ambulance program gets upgrade