"Although it was not the end to our season we had worked for, we will hold our heads high with pride for an incredible year that no one, but ourselves expected from the South Grenville Rangers." I wrote that after our 2019 playoff semifinal defeat, and also after an under dog rise of 30 points to 1st in the West Division. I knew we would be coming back even stronger in 2019/2020. We knew we would be the team to beat in the NCJHL... funny how life works.

Fast forward 12 months; a 29-4-1 memorable regular season, 6-0 dominating playoff run cancelled by a global pandemic. Hockey Canada made the right decision to end the 2020 season; we needed to slow down the spread of COVID-19 before it was too late. I'm a father of two young children who understood, but even the movie script of a life we're living doesn't damper the disappointment I continue to feel.

3 overage players on our team played the last games of their careers and they didn't even know it. 7 twenty year olds who have grown over 3 years with us lost their opportunity of playing for a championship together, and they know they can't all be back next season. That's the toughest pill to swallow; we preach doing things the right way and the young men wearing our logo earned the opportunity to call themselves champions. It was a memorable end to the season, just not the end anyone deserved.

We are fortunate to have a talented young core to take us into the future, but the emotions and words shared towards our veterans and lost opportunity continues to remind me why I do this. I am so proud of the bond our program creates, and the friendships that will last a lifetime.

To our staff and volunteers, it was an incredible season that showcased all of our hard work. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to creating a winning program. The SGR now are undoubtly known for the way we handle ourselves on and off the ice, we have truly built a top tier organization. With many accolades achieved this season, our number 1 goal still alludes us. You know I'm looking forward to the future and planning for it already.

Our media coverage this season was once again top notch. The long hours I have invested in promoting this team online and in the community can be a daunting task, but working with this group made it that much easier. Always professional, and always a joy to deal with so thank you to; our photographer Phil Blancher - Morrisburg Leader for capturing amazing memories, and to Joe Martelle - South Grenville Journal, Tim Ruhnke – Brockville Recorder & Times, and Jeff Moore - Chesterville Record for your help putting these young men on the stage they deserved.

To our sponsors, without the generous donations from many different businesses in our community this team would not be possible. Hockey is an expensive sport and running a junior hockey team is no different. Your continued support allowed us to keep player fees low, and the young men who are attending university, college, or entering the workforce are very thankful for that. We will be under some financial strain next season due to a missed opportunity of large crowds and a playoff run but I am confident it will not be an issue with the community support we receive.

To the VanLuits, none of this would be possible without your passion for hockey in our community. Thank you for bringing all of us together, and for allowing us to be part of the SGR tradition. I am proud to be your GM, and a message I have received from many players is that they too are fortunate for the experiences this team provides.

Finally; to the South Grenville community, we all know we were only getting started. 300 plus fans were in the crowd to watch Game 1 of the semifinal, and I had a feeling 400 plus fans were going to be there for Game 4. You supported us in the beginning, and you pushed us till the end. I am disappointed with how our season was taken from us, but can't help but be excited to continue to grow the SGR tradition with you. 

Your passion; it feeds my passion. You can trust that if a rink closure didn't slow us down, this won't either. Wash your hands, social distance and prepare for another great South Grenville Rangers season this fall.

Cheers to another memorable season, and stay tuned for our 2020 summer announcements!

Lucas Stitt
General Manager
South Grenville Rangers