2020 Shrine Game canceled, postponed to 2021

The 2020 Montana East-West Shrine Game scheduled for July 18 has been canceled due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a release emailed on Thursday.

“In a conference call held Wednesday, April 22, board members expressed their concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, its influence on everyone’s lives, and the impact it has made on student-athlete’s preparations for the Montana Shrine Game,” the release said.

“The decision was also based on the latest information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and directives by the State of Montana.”

The statement said the players were notified Thursday, and that efforts will be “made in the coming weeks to find new ways to honor the best players Montana prep football has to offer.”

Area athletes invited to the game were Drew Deck, Hank Nuce and Maddoxx Fucci of Glacier High School, Tanner Russell of Flathead High School, Jake Kindel of Eureka and Ryker Wenderoth of Polson.

“Our cause is to provide needed medical services at Shriners Hospitals for Children to those in need, and the Board determined that the risks of COVID-19 do not align with the safety of the student-athletes and the public,” the statement continued.

“The game will be resumed in Billings in the Summer of 2021 for an event that will bring Montanans from across the state together again.