SYDNEY, N.S. — With local, national and international sporting events suspended or cancelled because of COVID-19 concerns, it was only a matter of time before it impacted the Vince Ryan Memorial Scholarship Hockey Tournament.
The local adult recreational tournament was officially cancelled on Friday after municipally-owned rinks were closed because of the global pandemic.
“I’m very disappointed, but to be realistic the safety of our players, fans and the public is our No. 1 priority,” said Richie Warren, organizer and founder of the Vince Ryan tournament.
“We’re all concerned about what’s happening in the world and our country right now, so we’ll continue to work towards next year’s tournament. Hopefully, it will be bigger and better.”
The annual tournament was scheduled to take place March 19-22 in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. In total, 96 teams, including teams from off-island, were scheduled to participate in the event.
Warren admitted he didn’t sleep much Thursday night.
“It’s something that’s happened that we have no control over, but I’m very much disappointed,” said Warren. “I’m really feeling for the businesses in the CBRM, this is going to be a loss for them and my heart goes out to them.”
Alex Benoit, originally from North Sydney, was scheduled to play in the tournament with the Truro Fluds in the 60-plus division. He learned of the news when contacted by the Cape Breton Post Friday afternoon.
“We’re very much disappointed with the tournament cancellation,” said Benoit. “We always look forward to attending. It’s a really good time and it’s a chance to see your friends and family.”
Benoit has been playing in the tournament for the past 20 years. Although he comes to Cape Breton for summer vacation, it’s not the same.
“It’s a real good time being with your friends and meeting other players from other teams,” said Benoit, who plays three or four times a week in Truro. “The bars, facilities and restaurants are great there, it’s all I can say.”
Warren confirmed teams will be able to receive a refund for their tournament entrance fee, however, he didn’t say when those refunds would be given.
“Some teams are calling us and telling us to keep the money and put it towards next year’s tournament,” said Warren. “It’s an option for them, but refunds will be made available to the teams who want them.”
In preparation for the tournament, Warren said organizers have spent some of the teams’ money but couldn’t confirm how much has already been spent on the 2020 edition.
“I tried to figure it out last night, but it was only giving me a headache,” said Warren. “I can’t see that far ahead right now, I have too much on my mind, but we will have some idea soon.”
Last March, the federal government announced the tournament would receive $150,000 over three years to help market and sustain the event. It was a non-repayable contribution.
At the time of the announcement, the provincial government also contributed $25,000 to the tournament.
Warren said the tournament has to submit a report to the government after each event but doesn’t know how the cancellation will impact funding as of now.
“We won’t have any report to put in because we don’t have any figures,” he said. “We don’t know anything on that right now.”
When asked if scholarships would still be given by the tournament to graduating high school students in June, Warren said it depends on how much money the organization has.
“If we have the money, we will give it,” said Warren. “We always give money for scholarships, so I really hope this won’t impact the kids, that’s what I’m really concerned about.”
Although ice rentals were booked at local rinks for the tournament, Warren said the organization hasn’t paid for the ice right now, meaning no funds were lost because of it.
“Everybody loses,” said Warren. “It’s a decision that had to be made.”
