OHL cancellation hits Petes hard
For some, it’s sinking in that their Memorial Centre days are over
When Matt McNamara and teammates celebrated a 12-1 win over the Niagara IceDogs on March 8, 2020, he never imagined it would be his last OHL game.
Four days later, the 2019-20 season was cancelled due to COVID-19. On Tuesday, the OHL officially cancelled the ’20-21 campaign, wiping out McNamara’s hopes of playing an overage season for his hometown Peterborough Petes.
“It’s been so long, everyone had an idea it might not happen,” said McNamara, who turns 21 May 10. “It was not the news anyone wanted, whether you’re a player, billet, family, anyone. I’ve played four years in my hometown for the Petes so I’m pretty grateful for all the experiences I’ve had but it’s not the way I wanted to end my OHL and junior career. Not being able to play my OA year is devastating.
“It’s too bad the OHL and the government couldn’t come to terms on something but, at the end of the day, it’s about keeping people safe.”
OHL commissioner Dave Branch said Tuesday the league and province were set to announce a return-to-play plan when COVID-19 cases began to spike and the province announced another lockdown.
John Parker-Jones grew up in Brantford but he says Peterborough became his second home so he’s disappointed he’ll never play another game for the Petes. Both Parker-Jones and McNamara have committed to play with the University of Windsor Lancers in the fall.
“Peterborough will always have a place in my heart,” said Parker-Jones. “I grew to love the town so much and the people there, as well as the organization. It’s tough to not be able to go out with a bang. On the positive side, I know where things are moving now.”
He admits it’s been tough waiting all these months to see if the OHL would return this season.
“There is no more uncertainty. The cards are in front of me and now it’s my turn to make the play,” he said. “Right before April, I was really confident we were going to get some games in. As things moved forward, it seemed more likely the real decision was leaning toward not having a season. I grew to accept that fate with what’s going on.”
Uncertainty remains for Peterborough native Curtis Trolley who turns 20 on April 28. With just 12 games of OHL experience it’s uncertain if the Petes will entertain bringing him back as an overage player. He spent 13 months training hard to try to make an impact with the Petes this season.
“To put so much time and effort into it and to not have anything to show for it is pretty upsetting,” said Trolley.
“I wouldn’t blame the league or the government. You can’t really predict what is going to happen, especially at this time,” Trolley said. “Everything that’s happened this entire pandemic has been uncertain and just happened upon us. It would definitely be hard to plan any season around it, especially in Ontario. We have been worse off than some other provinces.”
Anger is the emotion J.R. Avon, who is in his NHL drafteligible season, said he felt upon hearing the news. He is another Peterborough native playing for the Petes.
“I was just pissed off. I was really looking forward to playing this year since it was my draft year,” said Avon, 17, who has two years of junior eligibility plus an OA season remaining. “Our team lost a few guys so I was really hoping to see the ice more this year. It sucks we are not playing this year.”
His anger was not toward any individuals, it’s at the circumstances COVID-19 has created. “How it’s screwing the world up right now,” he said.