Disappointment surrounds three-week hockey shutdown

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

When Ringgold hockey coach Rick Kalinowski learned of Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement regarding a three-week shutdown of high school sports earlier this month, two words came to mind: Pure disappointment. 

“(senior forward) Nick Nagy said it best when he said, ‘we’ve been playing for the last two months, what’s the difference now?’” Kalinowski said. 

Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Crousey had a similar reaction to the news that winter sports activities would be halted until at least Jan. 4. 

“My first reaction was, ‘here we go again,’” Crousey said. “We were definitely disappointed but I understand the reasons for the shutdown.  I just hope all of the teams get the chance to finish the year.” 

Both Kalinowski and Crousey know a thing or two about having to wait things out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Back in March, both teams were scheduled to play in PIHL championship games. Thomas Jefferson was slated to play Indiana for the Class A title, while Ringgold had a matchup scheduled against Carrick for the Class B championship. 

The PIHL held off on canceling the final games of the season before having to do so in May. 

“The unknown is the worst part of it all,” Kalinowski said. 

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