The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) announced on Wednesday that it would not be holding national championships for its winter sports in 2021 (badminton, volleyball or basketball).  It had previously announced the cancellation of curling, after already having cancelled the soccer, cross country running and golf championships for this fall.  All cancellations are due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Holland Hurricanes were set to host the CCAA National Women’s Volleyball Championship in March at the Holland College Centre for Community Engagement (CCE) in Charlottetown, PEI.

“Although this decision didn’t come as a surprise to any of us, that doesn’t take away from the disappointment myself and the rest of the team is feeling,” said Abby Hyndman, a third-year player for the ‘Canes from Charlottetown. “We will keep training hard in hopes of an Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) season and will prepare so we’re ready for when we can compete nationally again.”

2021 would have been the second time the ‘Canes hosted the women’s volleyball championship, previously hosting in 2016.  The Hurricanes also hosted the men’s national volleyball championship in 2015; both were held at the Holland College CCE.

“The news of the cancellation of the winter championships by the CCAA is understandable and we support the decision,” said Albert Roche, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Holland College.  “We are excited to host the women’s volleyball national championship as we feel our program is gaining strength and we truly enjoy hosting the nation on PEI. We share in the disappointment felt by our team, however, our first focus is student-athlete safety in these challenging times.”

Sam Gerbig, a fifth-year player from Charlottetown hopes to see some volleyball action in the new year.

“I am hopeful that we will still have the opportunity to defend our ACAA championship title this winter.  I know the season won’t look quite the same but we all have our fingers crossed.”

During the 2019-2020 season, the ‘Canes women’s volleyball team won their first-ever ACAA Championship, while the men finished as ACAA silver medalists.

This would have been the ninth national championship hosted by Holland College since 2008.

For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, please visit www.hollandhurricanes.com.

Connect with the ‘Canes at www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.twitter.com/hc_hurricanes and www.instagram.com.

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