A pair of local minor hockey associations have decided to cancel the remainder of their 2020-21 season with the news of the latest lockdown.
Both the North Bay Minor Hockey Association and the East Nipissing Minor Hockey Association made the announcements.
"After careful consideration we have decided to cancel our second block of hockey for this season," North Bay Minor Hockey stated on its Facebook page.
"Due to increased restrictions and continual extension of lockdowns and with uncertainty as to when the lockdowns may be over, we have made the decision to end the block now rather than keep our members in continual limbo.
"Our first block was a tremendous success with the help of all our members and we were hoping to continue but due to increased requests of refunds and the uncertain future we have decided to put our energy towards making sure our next season is the best one yet.
North Bay Minor Hockey officials say they will process refunds as quick as possible through the Team Snap platform.
"If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office via email ([email protected]) as we are working from home and are not in the office to take your calls," the release stated.
The association says once it gets more information it will publish schedules for 2021-22 tryouts.
"Thank you once again to everyone for making this very different season a success, it would not have been possible without your positivity and ability to change with the circumstances. Stay Safe and we will see you next season," the post concluded.
Vipers program goes into hibernation
Meantime East Nipissing Minor Hockey Association canceled the second half of its season after news came down that the ice plant at the Astorville arena was shutting down.
"Earlier today we were informed that the Municipality of East Ferris would be removing the ice due to the financial burden of keeping the ice plant open and running and the unknown future reopening date with the Provincial Emergency declaration in effect until February 10th with further extensions possible," the release stated.
See related: Astorville ice coming out Monday
As a result, the second session of hockey is being canceled.
"We will be looking a refunding everyone their registration fees less the non-refundable Hockey Canada fees if applicable. Registration fees will be sent out by mail in a timely fashion," the Facebook post stated.
"The East Nipissing Minor Hockey Association is grateful that we were able to provide our youth an opportunity to learn develop and play hockey these past few months. The smiles on our player's faces and joy that you could see among them once they returned to the ice was worth all our efforts.
"There is light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccines that are being rolled out. We will be back better and stronger and more resilient than before."
