It was supposed to be a year where Cape Breton hockey fans would have the opportunity to see some of the top under-18 players in the country.
The Sydney Mitsubishi Rush was scheduled to host the Telus Cup national under-18 championship this April in Membertou, however, COVID-19 had other plans.
When Hockey Canada was forced to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 season in mid-March due to the pandemic, the trickle-down effect was felt by the Rush, despite the fact they weren't to host the national tournament until 2021.
Among the events cancelled was the 2020 Telus Cup tournament, which was scheduled to be hosted in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que. Because the event didn't happen, Hockey Canada gave the Quebec city the opportunity to host in 2021, pushing Sydney's hosting rights to 2022.
The change comes in the middle of the Rush roster plans for the tournament. They began building the team with young players two years ago in an attempt to have an experienced roster for the Telus Cup.
Among the players who will miss the opportunity to play in the Telus Cup is Cape Breton is Eagles prospect Jack Cashen, who in two training camps with the local major team has impressed, adding to the team's goaltending depth. Other players include Nick Mahar, Drew Baldwin, Jake Edwards and Whalen Matthews — all of whom are 2003-born players and in their final under-18 major seasons.
Although it's unfortunate for those players, the Rush has continued its development of young players in hopes of having a team strong enough to compete with the rest of the country come April 2022.
As of now — and don't be surprised if it changes — the Rush could have 17 returning players from this year for the 2021-22 season. The players include QMJHL prospects Drew MacIntyre and Reese Allen, not to mention potential draft picks at both the major junior and junior 'A' levels later this year, and possible additions by way of other means.
Despite everything, in reality, what's wrong with waiting another year, considering the organization has already waited this long to host a national championship?
Some may recall the Cape Breton Building Trades Council Tradesmen — now known as the Rush — applied to host the 2011 Telus Cup tournament. Unfortunately, it was awarded to St. John's, N.L., and saw the Winnipeg Thrashers capture the title.
Yes, a lot of work had already been put into the 2021 tournament, but having an extra year to prepare, both on and off the ice, will only make the tournament better, not only for the participants and those coming from afar but for the local fans as well.
Waiting another year will also keep the diehard hockey fans engaged in under-18 major hockey, both at the local and national levels.
Why?
DREAMS BECOME REALITY
Under-18 hockey is where dreams become reality for young hockey players. It's the next step in their hockey careers, many having the goal of being drafted by a major junior team.
The Telus Cup is the Stanley Cup of under-18 hockey in Canada.
Many current and former NHL players have played in the tournament, previously known as the Wrigley Cup and the Air Canada Cup.
Looking back at the tournament, notable players to have played in the event include Mike Gartner (1975), Glenn Anderson (1977), Al MacInnis (1979), Ron Francis (1980), Wendel Clark (1982), Patrick Roy (1982), Rod Brind’Amour (1986 and 1987), Sidney Crosby (2002) and Jonathan Drouin (2011) to name a few.
Those are some impressive names.
The list will only grow and don't be surprised to see some of the players eventually drafted — if not already drafted by Canadian Hockey League teams — when the tournament rolls into Cape Breton in 2022.
Although the organization was disappointed to not be selected as the 2021 host, the positive this time around is they already know they have the event and just because it's not happening in 2021 doesn't mean it won't be memorable.
As far as the 2021 Telus Cup, don't be surprised if it's cancelled again. Unlike Atlantic Canada, some under-18 leagues haven't been able to start play due to COVID-19 and rising numbers across the country.
Atlantic Canada players have had the opportunity to play this season. Nova Scotia's league is currently on pause due to pandemic restrictions, but the season is expected to resume sometime this month.
If the 2021 Telus Cup is cancelled, hopefully, it won't force Hockey Canada to make changes in terms of a host for 2022. It almost wouldn't be the right thing to do at this point.
Jeremy Fraser covers sports for the Cape Breton Post. He welcomes column ideas, sports story suggestions or feedback about this week’s Sports Chat.
