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University of Ottawa men’s varsity hockey will not play in 2015-2016 season
OTTAWA,
January 16, 2015 —
The University of Ottawa has informed Ontario University Athletics (OUA) that the Gee-Gees men's hockey team will not be participating in the 2015-2016 hockey season. The University believes it had to take a decision on the status of the program now to allow the OUA time to plan its schedule for the upcoming season.
Last June, when it announced that the men's hockey program would be suspended for the 2014-2015 season, the University had clearly stated that it intended to implement new measures to provide student-athletes with better guidance.
The University of Ottawa will make the most of the coming year to implement measures that will be key to re-launching its men's hockey program.
"Even though we have reviewed some of our practices and procedures, we feel it is essential to wait for the Task Force on Respect and Equality to submit its report, which is expected shortly. We are also looking to hire a new men's hockey coach," stated University of Ottawa President and Vice-Chancellor Allan Rock. "Given these circumstances, we feel that this is the best decision."
Moreover, the University believes that it would not be wise to attempt to re-launch a competitive varsity hockey team at this time of year, given the significant competition among universities to recruit the best student-athletes. Most universities are already well into the process of assessing and selecting their rosters. To perform well, the University of Ottawa would need to recruit more than 20 high-calibre student-athletes.
Gee-Gees varsity team standards and expectations are high. The University does not wish to field a less-than-competitive team whose performance would not meet the expectations of the university community.
Once all these necessary measures have been put into place, the University of Ottawa will aim to re-launch its men's hockey program in time to compete in the 2016-2017 season.
Media inquiries
Caroline Milliard
Manager, Media Relations
Office: 613-562-5800 ext. 3087
Cell: 613-240-0275
Caroline.Milliard@uOttawa.ca
