Thunder Bay Border Cats cancel 2021 season

The Thunder Bay Border Cats won't be taking the field at Port Arthur Stadium this year.

The team announced Friday it won't participate in the 2021 Northwoods League season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cats didn't play in 2020, either, due to the pandemic.

"Unfortunately, with the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic regarding the Canada-US border closure as well as outdoor gathering numbers in Thunder Bay, the Border Cats will not be able to participate in the 2021 Northwoods season," Border Cats team president Dave Valentesaid in a statement."The Border Cats organization and its parent company Grand Slam Sports & Entertainment remains committed to Thunder Bay and it is our full intention to return for the 2022 season."

"We truly appreciate the patience and understanding of our loyal fans, corporate partners, coaches and players and wish to thank the Northwoods League staff and its affiliated members for their assistance during this very difficult process."

Border Cats vice-president Bryan Graham told CBC News on Friday that the Cats are currently trying to find the American-born players they've signed spots on other Northwoods League teams this summer.

"There's some pretty good ballplayers out there that are committed to the Northwoods League, and the Border Cats," Graham said. "And we want to make sure at least that commitment to the Northwoods League can continue."

"We would still have the rights to any eligible players that play elsewhere this summer for next year.

In 2020, several American-born Cats players joined a three-team mini-league based in North Dakota.Canadian-born players were unable to join due to travel restrictions.

Graham said the Cats plan on returning to the Port Arthur Stadium field in 2022.

"We have stated to the league numerous times that we we have full intention to return in 2022," he said. "We will have baseball here next summer, guaranteed."