There will be no Ontario Hockey League playoffs this year.
The decision to scrap the rest of the season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic , was announced Monday afternoon.
The Kitchener Rangers turned their season around, finishing third in the Western Conference.
Rangers General Manager and Interim Head Coach Mike McKenzie had the following message for fans, which was posted on the team's website on Tuesday morning:
Dear Rangers fans,
This is a note I was hoping I wouldn't have to write, but unfortunately, here we are. At a time like this, the health and safety of everyone is of utmost importance, and sports understandably becomes secondary.
It is still an extremely disappointing way to end a hockey season, especially one with so much excitement and promise still ahead. I feel terrible for our players, who put their heart and soul into this season and must feel so empty right now.
This is especially true for overage and graduating players who will not receive the proper send-off they deserve. Hockey seasons usually end with some type of closure, whether that is hoisting a trophy, hugging a teammate, shaking hands with a coach, or getting to cheer on your favourite player one last time. Right now, not getting that closure is painful for players, staff and fans.
There are so many people who have invested so much time and energy into our team this season. I would like to acknowledge all the people working in hockey operations, our medical team, our business staff and, of course, our loyal billet families. The hard work and passion of all these people is special. We thank them for another tremendous season and their contributions to the Kitchener Rangers.
Finally, I would like to thank our loyal fans. The passion and support this season has been nothing short of spectacular. The energy you brought to The Aud did not go unnoticed. Our players and staff are so fortunate to be able to play in front of such passionate, loud, and knowledgeable fans; the best in the entire OHL. We appreciate all your support this season and look forward to seeing that support continue when our players return next season.
Our entire staff is already working hard to ensure we are ready for next season.
In the meantime, it’s so important for everyone to continue to follow directions from health and safety experts. Now more than, ever we need to stick together as a community.
Please take care of yourself, your families and each other.
See you next season.
Mike McKenzie
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March 24, 2020 at 09:46PM
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'At a time like this...sports understandably becomes secondary': Rangers' GM - KitchenerToday.com
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