Three minor hockey tourneys cancelled

Three annual minor hockey tournaments in Peterborough have been scrapped for the 2020-21 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Peterborough Hockey Association announced Thursday it “has made the difficult decision” to cancel hosting any tournaments for the upcoming season.

The three tournaments cancelled are:

á The Kawartha Lakes AA tourney that had been planned for Sept. 18 to 20.

á The Initiation Jamboree that had been set for Jan. 30 and 31.

á The Mike Mulvaney House League Tournament that was scheduled for Feb. 12 to 14.

The association plans to bring back all three events for the 202122 season.

This year’s Mike Mulvaney tourney drew 28 teams in February, including four PHA teams, in novice to midget divisions.

The tournament was created in memory of a longtime volunteer in a number of local sports including minor hockey.

It is designed to provide house league players a tournament experience.

There was no immediate word from the Peterborough Minor AAA Petes organization on whether its tournaments are also in danger of being cancelled this coming season.

The association holds the Steve Richey Tournament of Champions each February. It serves as a showcase for minor midget players looking to get drafted into the Ontario Hockey League.

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in mid-March, it forced the suspension of the minor hockey season just as teams were competing in the playoffs.

Annual awards ceremonies also had to move online and spring tryouts were cancelled.

Some hockey associations fear a drop-off in participation this coming season because parents who have lost jobs during the pandemic may not be able to afford to have their children play.