Post by Doug Mathieson on Aug 10, 2020 0:13:24 GMT -5
Dunlops out for at least the season
Dunlops Take One Year Leave of Absence
The Whitby Dunlop Hockey Club has made a difficult decision to take a one year leave of absence from Allan Cup play. There are many factors that played into this decision, including protecting the legacy of the Dunlop brand but a proper business plan was assessed and it concluded that we need the break. In making this decision I look back at the hard work Michael Laing, Steve Cardwell and Trevor Mcagherty put in in 2004 to bring the team into the League...while saddened I do believe they are in support of this decision. I continue to thank them for their efforts.
I also applaud the hard work all the original directors put in to make us the franchise we became over the years. With family and businesses on their list, they continued to find time to provide excellence at the Board level. The ship was always steered properly, and the Dunnies were among the most highly regarded operations in hockey. To each of them, I say THANK YOU.
To all the players over the years that fought each and every game to not only win, but protect and respect the Dunlop history, I say your achievements have not been forgotten. THANK YOU. Young men going back to 1957,1958 and 1959 when the Dunnies were proud Allan Cup winners, as well as historic World Champions.....they started the legacy. Since 2004, the more current crews have been in several Allan Cups, while participating in a myriad of Championship finals in our League. Consistently, these players have provided Whitby fans with a consistently high level of hockey...they made the legacy proud! THANK YOU ALL!
To the staff ( coaches, assistants, trainers, Twitter, medical, lobby aides, video, game day) I also say a huge THANK YOU! I know that quite often their services were taken for granted, but I can assure you that this was the farthest from the truth. All staff put significant time into making the operation run smoothly.... they were essential.
To the radio and media a great THANK YOU for your support in getting the Dunlop team out there. Much appreciated!
To the fans, while we didn't bring you an Allan Cup, we tried so hard. When you see players with tears in their eyes at an Allan Cup loss, you know what they went through to try and reward you for your allegiance. Without fan support, it wouldn't have been the same! THANK YOU!
To the Town of Whitby, thank you for your ongoing cooperation over the years..it was a pleasure working with you.
So an era ends, for now. I will try and regroup to bring the Club back in the 2021-22 season. My pledge to you is that if we regroup properly and bring a squad back, it will be extremely competitive and truly capable of winning it for all.
Respectfully, to all,
Ian Young
Owner
Whitby Dunlops Hockey Club