Lack of players and volunteers has forced the Acton Houseleague Hockey Association to disband after giving players a place to play hockey for more than 65 years.
“It’s unfortunate, but we just don’t have the players and volunteers to keep it going,” said league president Robbie O'Connor. “Since COVID hit, the numbers have been going down.”
O'Connor said the league had about 125 players last year. That was enough for eight teams spread over three age groups, including two age groups that only had two teams. The limited competition also led to some players asking for their release over the previous years.
“It’s understandable,” O'Connor said. “It’s not fun playing the same team week after week.”
O'Connor said after last season, the organization put on a big push to attract players, but when it failed to draw the numbers needed to increase the amount of teams, it had to face the difficult decision to close up shop.
O'Connor said all the paperwork has been filed with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association to make it possible for the players to join other organizations.
Halton Hills Minor Hockey Association president Grant Kelly said the Acton announcement came as a surprise, but said the Halton Hills organization will be able to accommodate the players next season. Its registration for next season is currently open.
“Our house league hockey teams play in the rinks in both Georgetown and Acton and we welcome all of the players that competed in the Acton house league program to continue their hockey careers next season,” he said.
O'Connor said ceasing operations was not something the executive wanted to do, but with a lack of players and volunteers, it wasn’t possible to continue. O'Connor said he would like to thank all the volunteers who contributed to the league over the years.
