Local hockey players and their families received disappointing news last Friday when the upcoming Sea to Sky Bears campaign was officially called off.
Jointly run by the Whistler and Squamish Minor Hockey Associations, the Bears aim to provide high-level play for competitive youth who remain based in their home communities. However, various logistical difficulties have proven to be insurmountable.
"The intention for the U18 Bears for the 2024/2025 season, was to run an A1 and A2 team, as having two teams with players from both associations would reduce the already maximized ice situation in the corridor," said a Bears representative in an email. "The associations set the deadline to recruit the coaches as July 31, knowing we needed to update each association and those in the program, no later than August 2 at 12 p.m.
"Unfortunately, we have been unsuccessful in our recruiting efforts. We considered qualified parent coaches as an alternative, knowing this was not the intent of the program originally, however neither option resulted in anything conducive. As a result of the essential need to provide hockey to the greatest number of kids possible, the noted ice restrictions and coaching challenges, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the Bears program for the 2024/2025 season. We understand the impact this will have and how it negatively affects the Bears players, we will be in touch directly with Bears families to discuss options, including a U18 A team for Squamish."
The email also urged people to voice their concerns with the District of Squamish Community Planning Department, stating that ice time limitations at the town's lone rink threaten to compromise other aspects of Squamish Minor Hockey (SMHA) programming.
Further updates will become available on the SMHA website.
