Brentwood Hockey League Captains Express Outrage Over Sudden Closure and League Sale

Concerns over the future of the Brentwood Hockey League dominated the Public Works Committee meeting on August 29, 2024, as players expressed frustration over the abrupt transition to a private league. Patrick Roy, a long-time participant, voiced his bewilderment at the lack of communication regarding the league's closure, stating, "I became aware after the fact that... the league was no longer." He highlighted that players had been misled about the league's status, with assurances that the fall session would proceed as planned.

Josh Dayton, another player, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the emotional impact of losing a community-driven league that had fostered friendships over the years. He criticized the decision to sell the league to a private company, HNA, without local input, noting that the cost of participation would skyrocket from approximately $140 to $600 per session. "We can't afford that," he lamented, stressing that the new league's structure would disrupt players' schedules and diminish the competitive level they had come to expect.

The committee also discussed ongoing public works projects, including updates on street repairs and infrastructure improvements. However, the primary focus remained on the hockey league's future, with players urging city officials to reconsider the decision and explore options for reinstating the community league.

As the meeting concluded, the sentiment among attendees was clear: the Brentwood Hockey League was more than just a recreational activity; it was a vital part of their community fabric, and its loss would be deeply felt. The committee's next steps in addressing these concerns remain to be seen, but the players' voices have made it clear that they are not ready to let go without a fight.