The Kemptville 73’s will not be hitting the ice again this season.
The Central Canada Hockey League sent word to teams over the weekend that the 2021 season is being cancelled due to COVID-19.
The decision comes after the 73’s played their final game Friday night, and followed the move by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit’s into the red zone.
After months of being on and off the ice, Head Coach Jason York says it’s an unfortunate way to end a season that’s been unlike any other before.
“These are all young men, young adults, and teenagers that started off in August with hopes and dreams of playing hockey,” York said. “Most of the kids in our league play to get scholarships and get seen, but there’s just not enough scouts in the rinks this year, and it’s hard for us to have a real season.”
York says their message to players is to keep training, stay positive, and plan to play in 2022.
Despite that, he’s feeling disappointed and frustrated by the province’s lack of action in ensuring kids could get back on the ice.
York feels the damage to players’ mental health will be long-lasting.
“There’s going to be a lot of damage for a long time for a lot of these kids,” York said. “I know behind the scenes, a lot of them are struggling. Our kids were fortunately able to play some games but I was really disappointed in our government. There’s nothing we can do about it now, I’m just proud of the kids for coming and being positive.”
York says they’ll have to wait and see what the next steps are for the league, before they begin offseason plans.
The team is hopeful they’ll be able to host training camp at some point this summer to prepare for next year.