Earlier this year the Trenton Golden Hawks and Wellington Dukes were set to play a best of seven division series in the 2019-20 OJHL Playoffs 2nd Round. When the world was turned upside down by the pandemic, that series was cancelled. There have been no games in the Ontario Junior Hockey League since.
This Friday that will all change as the two teams have announced a Summit Series style 8-game series. They are also going to honour the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment at the same time. The series will be called the Hasty Ps Cup, presented by Trent Valley Distributors.
No fans will be allowed inside the arena due to the pandemic, however every game will all be available on YourTV (Cogeco Cable).
There will also be no body checking, with strict COVID-19 regulations in effect. CLICK HERE for details
Todd Reid is the General Manager of the Dukes and says it is a natural fit to go head to head with the G-Hawks.
Trenton Coach and GM Peter Goulet says the players were thrilled when they heard the news.
The schedule for the series and all the details from Friday’s media announcement are below.
- Wednesday November 11th – 2:00 pm @ Wellington
- Friday November 13th – 2:30 pm @ Wellington
- Tuesday November 17th 1:30 pm @ Trenton
- Wednesday November 18th 1:30 pm @ Trenton
- Friday November 20th 2:30 pm @ Wellington
- Wednesday November 25th 1:30 pm @ Trenton
- Friday November 27th 1:30 pm @ Trenton
- Wednesday December 2nd 2:00 pm @ Wellington
*times indicate broadcast start time on YourTV Belleville (Cogeco Cable 4/700) (check YourTV listings for re-broadcast schedule) HockeyTV will also carry all games
MORE BELOW
A JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM THE TWO TEAMS IS BELOW
Hockey is back, and it only seems fitting it will see the best rivalry in Canadian Junior Hockey.
In conjunction with the OJHL and YourTV Belleville (Cogeco Cable), the Wellington Dukes and Trenton Golden Hawks are thrilled to announce the first ever “Hasty P’s Cup”, presented by Trent Valley Distributors.
An 8-game Summit Series style tournament will begin on Remembrance Day, Wednesday November 11th. Although the doors of the arenas will be locked, every minute of the series can be seen on YourTV Belleville (Channel 4/700) and HockeyTV.
“With the support of the County of Prince Edward, the City of Quinte West and the Hasting Prince Edward Health Unit, the OJHL is excited to have two great franchises getting our players back on the ice”, said OJHL Commissioner, Marty Savoy. “It is an exciting day for fans across the OJHL and the great fans in the Country of Prince Edward, and City of Quinte West. The staff of the Golden Hawks and Dukes have been leaders and very instrumental in the development of the OJHL Return to the Rink plan and the implementation of protocols to ensure the safety of all of our participants and support staff.”
Since March, OJHL team and league staff have worked together to develop a detailed Return to the Rink plan, with the safety of our players and staff at the forefront of the process”, stated OJHL Chairman, Marc Mercier. There is a great rivalry between two OJHL franchises and it is exciting to see our athletes back on the ice doing what they love to do, under strict and safe COVID-19 protocols.”
Chris Auger is the Owner of Trent Valley Distributors. “The last few months have been tough. The process for a return to hockey, and normal life has been difficult. As a former Wellington Duke, I know all too well the great rivalry with Trenton, and Trent Valley Distributors is proud to be the presenting sponsor. To celebrate the legacy of the Hasty P’s is also a wonderful addition.”
Dave Feeley is the Manager of Programming and Community Relations for YourTV Belleville. “We are thrilled to be able to give hockey fans great hockey from the comfort of their own home. It is the responsible way to keep the community safe, while showcasing the Battle of Quinte. YourTV will have wall-to-wall coverage of every game, and we cannot wait to get started.”
Wellington Dukes General Manager Todd Reid says, “At the end of the day, we have a great partnership with Trenton, our division and our league. Great people are working together to promote our players, while trying to keep them safe. We must thank both ownership’s and everybody involved. The players are getting better every day, but the game situations are crucial for their development and mental health. YourTV Belleville is vital to get it out, to allow the promotion for Division 1 & 3 NCAA and CIS. It is important to these players, there is a lot on the line. We cannot thank the HPE Health Unit, both municipalities, the OJHL and OHA for their leadership in making this a reality.”
MORE BELOW
Trenton Golden Hawks Coach/GM Peter Goulet says, “This means everything to these guys. They are looking to move on to play CIS, NCAA, pro hockey and even the NHL. Without competitive games, it is not possible. It is an honour to play Wellington in this Summit Series, and it will be good for our players to have something to play for. We thank the OJHL, the OHA, the City of Quinte West, The County of Prince Edward, health officials and the Dukes for helping to create this bubble.”
Team staff and players are being guided by both municipalities, HPE Public Health, provincial, and federal health guidelines. All players, staff and officials will have double COVID-19 screening before entering the arena for every single game, first 2 hours prior to entering and the second upon arrival. All participants have received a negative COVID-19 test before they entered the clubs training camps. In addition, both teams have been provided a PPE package that includes items such as signage for areas in the rink such as team warm up areas, hand washing and wearing of face mask reminders. The OJHL and OHF’s Return to Play policies will be strictly adhered to, to keep our players and staff safe.
The Hasty P’s Cup is named in honour of the Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment. These heroes served the Bay of Quinte area, and Canada with valour, distinction, and honour for countless decades. The Hastings Prince Edward Regiment received 31 battle honours in the Second World War and are the most decorated Canadian infantry from WW2.
