It came as no big surprise when in early June the official announcement was made public that the Ontario Junior ‘B’ Lacrosse season had been cancelled.
This announcement, which came on June 4 in a written statement from Ontario Junior B Lacrosse Commissioner Dave Vernon, followed the cancelation of the Ontario Junior C, Ontario Junior A and senior B lacrosse seasons. Other teams to have seasons cancelled due to the COVID19 pandemic, included Major Series Lacrosse, Senior Women’s Box Lacrosse League and Six Nations Minor Lacrosse.
“It is with much regret that the Ontario Jr. B Lacrosse League announced their decision to officially cancel the 2020 season,” Vernon said. “The health and safety of our members and their families are paramount and we appreciate that our members have been doing their personal best to help prevent this virus from spreading. Thank you for self-isolating, practicing social distancing and working to keep vulnerable people safe.”
As a result, the Six Nations Rebels who came within one game last year of winning the Founders Cup, will have to wait a little longer before taking another run at it. Something that Rebels player Tycie Cowan found frustrating.
“Yeah it was very upsetting knowing how I improved last year,” Cowan said.
Reflecting on what was a dominating 2019 season, which saw this standout rookie score 15 goals and 26 points, Cowan didn’t have a problem coming up with the number one highlight.
“My highlight would be the whole season,” Cowan said. “I thought I improved a lot. At first, I couldn’t catch a ball then I was a lock down defender and ball team on draws!”
In a memorable summer which saw the Rebels dominate with a 19-1 regular season record before winning the OJBLL Championship trophy, Cowan talked about the closeness he felt with his teammates.
“I enjoyed the brotherhood and the backing our team had from our community,” Cowan said. “It felt like we weren’t just a team but brothers who went to war for each other. I loved it.”
Unfortunately, for Rebels players, management and fans will have to wait until next summer before taking another shot at the prestigious Founders Cup.
