Yesterday the University of British Columbia announced the first cut of its sports review, with 16 of the current 29 varsity teams securing their status for the coming years. It was shocking to many that UBC men’s hockey did not make the initial cut.
At the end of February following a second stage assessment, a number of other teams are expected to be added. The 13 others that did not make the cut must present a five-year plan for their programs.
Once reviewed, a final decision will be made in February but it’s unknown how many of the 13 remaining sports will make the final cut.
The announcement left the men’s players, coaches and UBC students shocked that it did not make the cut.
Considering that the club has been around for a long time, and that hockey is Canada’s most storied sport, it would be a shame to see UBC lose its men’s hockey team and one of its flagship varsity sports.
Supporters of the team are taking to social media with the hashtag #SelloutTheDoug. This is a rally to sell out the UBC men’s Hockey games at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre this Friday and Saturday in an effort to show the demand and support the team has.
You can get tickets here.
Here are a few tweets to #SaveUBCHockey:
Yes, I attend SFU. Yes, UBC is our rival but putting that aside, it’s shocking they are cuting the team and they shouldn’t be #SaveUBCHockey
— Wendy Fang (@Ice_calibr29) January 22, 2014
Unbelievable that UBC wants to cut a program that’s been around forever. Time to #SellOutTheDoug and #SaveUBCHockey — Veronica Leiva (@VeroElll3) January 22, 2014
Not a UBC student but a hockey fan! @UBCMHKY might be cut? This is madness! #SaveUBCHockey @kbieksa3 you played against these boys! — Evelyn Dias (@evelyndias_17) January 22, 2014
There has been a big outcry over news that UBC may be cutting their hockey program.Tyson Barrie among a few NHLers trying to #SaveUBCHockey — Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) January 22, 2014
As an outsider, it seems that UBC is woven within the thick hockey fabric of Vancouver with @VanCanucks @WHLGiants @TheWHL #SaveUBCHockey — Tom Helm (@RealmofHelm) January 22, 2014
Fans! It’s what they need. Good hockey for great prices RT @Cumbario Friday 7PM and Saturday 5PM #SaveUBCHockey #SellOutTheDoug — Patrick Johnston (@risingaction) January 22, 2014
Wait… so UBC has this brand new ice facility and now they want to cut their hockey program? #dumb #SaveUBCHockey — Adam Advocaat (@Moofey17) January 22, 2014
Was lucky enough to play against great home grown talent for 2 years in BC. #SaveUBCHockey will help players pursue their dream #retweet
— Brady Shaw (@shawsy28) January 22, 2014
Friday and Saturday everyone… Saturday will be the craziest game in UBC history.. Be a part of the change #SaveUBCHockey #SellOutTheDoug
— Geordie Wudrick (@DoubleCornDogs) January 22, 2014