After doubts about whether or not a season was possible in 2020, the Goulburn District Hockey Association celebrated its final regular round on Saturday with a mixture of pleasure and relief.
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After COVID-19 struck the country, all sports were shut down until late July. When they resumed, there was a widespread feeling that another shutdown loomed.
"I think everyone's pretty stoked we made the ten weeks," GDHA media officer Tammy Grady said.
"I think in the back of our minds there was a fear that we wouldn't make it to the end.
"It's awesome that the kids got a modified season of hockey in. Everyone adapted to the changes, and it all went along pretty well."
The Under 7s and Under 9s divisions played their last games on Saturday, while the Under 11s, Under 13s, and Under 15s - along with the seniors - will play their grand finals next weekend.
Saturday's matches were rounded out by official photos and presentation ceremonies for the Under 7s and Under 9s, which included some touching words from a number of the coaches.
"There was a lot of gratitude from many of the coaches to the parents for sticking out the season, and gratitude towards the association for making it happen," Grady said.
The children were joined by a new face on Saturday after their matches, that of Mr COVID Cuppy.
The new face of the GDHA's 2020 competition, Grady said the idea for Mr COVID Cuppy was conceived shortly before the final round.
As part of a chat with Mandi Smith last Thursday, Grady jokingly suggested the association get a large trophy wearing a mask made to represent the 2020 season.
The idea developed steam and the GDHA reached out to Studio Four Designs, who returned with Mr COVID Cuppy in less than 24 hours.
The new mascot will be present at the grand finals next weekend and will live in the clubhouse in future years.
As the conclusion of the winter season draws near, Grady said the hard graft and stress of planning a truncated competition has proven to be worth the trouble.
"It's taught us a lot, that's for sure, but you do it for the love of the kids," she said.
The GDHA grand finals will be played on Saturday, September 26.
The fixtures are as follows:
- 9am: Under 11s - Drifters vs Ajax
- 10am: Under 13s - Crookwell Pink vs Crookwell Purple
- 11.10am: Under 15s - Crookwell Pink vs Crookwell Purple
- 12.30pm: Second Division Women - Ajax White vs Crookwell Ninja
- 1.50pm: Second Division Men - Colts Soldiers vs Gordon Hornets
- 3.10pm: First Division Women - Ajax vs Taralga
- 4.50pm: Capital League Men - Goulburn vs Wests (regular round game)
All matches will take place at the Goulburn Hockey Complex.
The GDHA also thanked its primary sponsor, the Goulburn Soldiers Club, for its continued support throughout the season.
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