CSHL pulls the plug on 2021-22 season

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This article was published 23/09/2021 (1722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A combination of factors, although predominantly the lingering and ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to the Carillon Senior Hockey League (CSHL) cancelling the upcoming season.

In the last year that the league operated a full season, in the 2019-20 campaign, the league operated with only four teams, which of course is not optimal.

Last year they added the Ile des Chenes North Stars as the league was set to hit the ice with five teams. But the entire season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 lockdowns.

A statement on the CSHL website reads: ‘Due to the Provincial Health Orders and COVID restrictions, as well as roster shortages, the Carillon Senior Hockey League season has been cancelled. We will be monitoring the effects of the pandemic on the league, with hopes to resume play next season.’

CSHL president Stacey Neufeld said with the low number of double vaxxed people in the area, which would have been a contributing factor with some of the teams being short of players.

One of those of course would be in Grunthal, whose minor programs have completely collapsed due to the number of unvaccinated people in the Grunthal area, which has shockingly led to the decision not to put ice in at the Grunthal Arena this year.

Three of the teams, the Ste. Anne Aces, Red River Wild and Ile des Chenes North Stars applied to play in the Southeastern Manitoba Hockey League, but were denied.

This isn’t sitting well with the Ste. Anne Aces, the four-time defending CSHL champions. Aces’ coach Kevin Lansard, said “we have nowhere to play, we just want to play this season.”

He said they really weren’t given a reason for their rejection from the SEMHL.

Lansard said they still might decide to do something, maybe just a three-team league or play a series of exhibition games this year.

Steinbach and Grunthal were both dealing with a shortage of players this year and their participation in the league was uncertain.

Neufeld said they will be working through the season with the hopes of resurrecting the CSHL for the following season. “There has been some interest from some other teams, hopefully we can grow the league next year.”