Shelburne Shooters forced to cancel 2020 summer season

April 30, 2020 · 0 Comments

Written By BRIAN LOCKHART

When the ice is taken out at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Centre each spring, it’s time for summer leagues to take over the floor – but not this year.

The Shelburne Shooters Ball Hockey Club have cancelled the season.

Ball hockey usually gets underway during the first couple of weeks of April once the ice is gone in the arena.

Ball hockey is a very popular sport locally.

Since it is a house league, the teams are balanced out as much as possible before the season starts to make sure each team is competitive and will enjoy the games as much as possible.

The rules are pretty much the same as ice hockey except the off side line, the blue line in hockey, is moved out farther to compensate for the fact that the ball can bounce.

It is fun competitive sport enjoyed by both summer players and ice hockey players who still like the game once the regular hockey season is over.

League executive were monitoring the current situation prior to the start of the season, however, it became apparent that town facilities would not be open in time to salvage the season.

Currently the predicted date of opening is June 30, however that date is only tentative.

“It is with huge disappointment but great understanding we are forfeiting this season,” the Club announced on their Facebook page. “ We are however, keeping the lines of communication open with the Ontario Ball Hockey Federation and should things turn around in the upcoming month and recreation facilities open prior to Provincial competition dates there may be a slight chance we will run a tryout and send one team from each division to represent Shelburne.”

The Club is refunding playing fees that have already been paid for the season.

The Shooters are one of several sporting organizations that have been forced to cancel the season.