University of Alberta shutters hockey, basketball and volleyball programs for the season

The University of Alberta has shuttered both of its men’s and women’s hockey, basketball and volleyball programs for the coming years.

The cuts were made due to financial reasons, the school said. In a statement, U of A athletic director Ian Reade cited cuts to the Campus Alberta Grant wherein the United Conservative Party demanded Universities balance budgets and reduce expenditures.

The loss of the programs for the season is a huge hit to the school and the community of Edmonton. The men’s basketball team finished fifth in the nationals last year winning the consolation finals as the women’s basketball team fell in the USPORTS championships.

The men’s volleyball team had a great regular season but had their season cut short after making it to the USPORTS championships due to COVID-19. The women’s volleyball team suffered a similar fate.

And when it comes to hockey, the men’s team fell in the Canada West semi-finals. The women’s teams were set to play in the national quarter-finals, but season came to an end when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

In a statement, Canada West said they were “disheartened to learn of the University of Alberta’s decision not to compete” adding they understood the “difficult financial position many of our members currently find themselves in.”

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