INNISFAIL – Just four days ago, the Innisfail Eagles senior men’s AA hockey team was skating on a high after winning the North Central Hockey League’s Vanberg Cup.
Today there is nothing but bitter disappointment.
This week the team was told by Hockey Alberta the planned and much anticipated 2025 Senior AA Men's Provincial Hockey Championships in Lethbridge from April 3 to 6 has been cancelled.
The event was to feature up to six teams, including the Innisfail Eagles and Lacombe Generals, as well as squads from the Ranchland Hockey League (host and league champion), and league champions from the Sask-Alta Hockey League (SAHL) and North Peace Hockey League (NPHL).
But Ryan Dodd, the Eagles head coach, said he was told by Hockey Alberta that the Falher Pirates of the NPHL and the SAHL’s Vermilion Rock dropped out with less than two weeks before the planned start of the tournament.
Dodd said Lacombe had previously indicated they would not be attending.
“Lacombe, Falher and Vermilion all pulled out last minute with no warning,” said Dodd. “It's another black eye on senior hockey because these teams don't hold up to their commitments, and then there's no repercussions.”
Dodd said he was notified by Hockey Alberta on March 25 of the tournament cancellation.
“They said they were embarrassed because they thought they had the tournament and the buy-in from all the teams and leagues,” said Dodd. “All teams had confirmed they were going to go, and all leagues said they were going to send a representative.
“And then lo and behold when it comes to tournament time, not only do two teams pull out, but three teams.”
The Albertan made phones call and sent emails to Hockey Alberta’s senior manager Drew Dixon for comment but there was no immediate reply.
Meanwhile, the Eagles hockey team is scheduled to have a final practice Wednesday, March 26 at the Innisfail Twin Arena.
