A mixed reaction as the annual small hockey tournament was canceled for the second year

Hockey associations who spoke to the CBC said that while parents and players are disappointed that the tournament was canceled and most practice and games have been temporarily suspended in the area leagues, the most common feedback from parents was gratitude for the clear decision-making.

“When associations come forward and make this decision, it takes it out of the hands of parents, and they can feel better,” said Cheryl Cooper, president of the Metcalfe District Hockey Association.

The Bell Capital Cup is an annual under-13 tournament that was expected to bring 197 hockey teams from around Canada and the United States – including a team from Atlanta – to Ottawa this year, with games starting on December 28th.

Aaron Robinson, chairman of the board of international hockey festivals, said the decision was made to protect the health of players, coaches and volunteers.

“The board decided it wasn’t the right time to continue the tournament,” he said. “I hope to be part of the solution instead of the problem.”

Leagues cancel games, drills

The tournament will be canceled as small hockey leagues consider suspending practice and games as COVID-19 cases have recently increased in Eastern Ontario, driven by the Omicron variant.

Most leagues in the area will stop playing for the holidays according to preliminary plans to resume at the beginning of the new year.

Gabriel, the 12-year-old son of Michael Gendron, plays in Nepor’s Minor Hockey Raiders. He said that while the situation is difficult for children, he supports it.

“I’m convinced it’s done for the right reasons,” he said. “But it’s still a hard pill for kids to swallow.”

Cooper struck a similar balance.

“The hockey community disappears whenever we don’t have kids on the ice,” he said. “But I think again… public safety beats everything else.”

Matthew Klassen, president of the Osgoode Richmond Romans Hockey Association, added that the sacrifice now made can pay for itself in the long run.

“I’m worried that if we don’t interrupt it now for the Christmas holidays,” he said, “we threaten to lose hockey for longer.”