The Albury-Wodonga Spitfires will not contest the 2020 Capital League season.
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After lengthy discussions between Hockey ACT, Hockey Albury-Wodonga and the ACT Government, it was determined the Spitfires will not be in a position to participate in the Canberra-based competition this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Hockey ACT banned players living in Victoria from playing in the competition and also didn't want anyone who crosses the border for work, to be travelling to Canberra for matches, making it logistically impossible for the Spitfires to continue.
After initially being asked to sit out the opening six rounds and play games for double points upon their return, the decision was made to pull the pin.
Spitfires coach Tony Donnolley said the team is extremely disappointed with the outcome of the season.
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"The uncertainty has made it difficult to prepare for a season which may not have been going to happen," he said.
"Their effort and attitude is a credit to them. Hopefully this makes them hungrier to perform next year."
Hockey Albury-Wodonga president Bert Eastoe stated the withdrawal is beyond everyone's control.
"This region itself has been relatively incident-free for a month, but we have been caught in the border protocols which do not reflect favourably on our regional areas irrespective of their COVID status," Eastoe said.
"The Spitfires team and supporters have been putting in the hard yards and are disappointed to end their 2020 campaign."
Hockey ACT CEO Rob Sheekey thanked all Spitfires players, staff and administrators for their dedication.
"Hockey ACT remains committed to continuing to support Hockey Albury-Wodonga and will continue to work with the association on ways to ensure hockey bounces back in the region in 2021," Sheekey added.