The Elliot Lake Wildcats have taken a leave of absence from the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) for the 2020-21 season, in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a news release, Club president Len Kutchaw said, “this was not an easy decision by the board, but there is simply too much uncertainty around the long-term impact of the COVID-19 restrictions to allow us to make a reasonable plan for icing a team in the fall."
"However, we are committed to the league and to having a strong, competitive Wildcats team in the future.”
Kutchaw said that it would be extremely difficult to attract sponsors given the economic impact of business closures and shut downs and an inability to say when the season might start.
"The restrictions on public gatherings and events means the Wildcats are unable to do scheduled fundraisers, which are an important part of the budget, and also impact the ability to have fans in the stands on game nights," he added.
"As restrictions are eased the board will look at implementing a plan to recruit players, attract sponsors and update fans on when they can expect to be back in the arena. In the interim, individuals who have already purchased season tickets for next year will have the option of having their tickets honoured for the following season or of receiving a full refund. Season ticket holders will be contacted directly by a Wildcats representative in the coming weeks."