The howl of the Okanagan College Coyotes men’s hockey team will be heard no more.
The OC squad this week informed the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League that the team is ceasing operations, effective immediately.
A lack of necessary funding ultimately led to the decision.
“Okanagan College was a valued and competitive member of the BCIHL and will be missed greatly,” league president Kim Verigin said in a press release. “They put forward a very competitive team right from their first season. It will be a big change for the league and it’s very unfortunate these things happen in the hockey business.”
The Coyotes entered the BCIHL in 2009 and compiled a record of 40-25-9 during regular season play. The team qualified for the playoffs in each of their three seasons, advancing to the league semi-finals twice.
Team GM Kolby Barnstable expressed regret over the cancellation of the OC hockey program.
“It’s very disappointing to see the Coyotes program come to an end after three successful seasons,” said Barnstable. “A great amount of time and effort was invested in the start-up and growth of this team. This was extremely tough news to deliver to our players. Everyone that was involved had a passion and believed in the value of this program.”
With the Coyotes gone, the BCIHL will now operate with six teams in 2012-13.
