Muskoka Shield pack up hockey bags in Gravenhurst

GRAVENHURST — Hockey fans here will have to satisfy themselves with the late night NHL Stanley Cup playoffs after the South Muskoka Shield of the Greater Metro Junior ‘A’ Hockey League has packed up its hockey bags and left town.

Thirteen year after starting up, the South Muskoka Shield have had to pack up their hockey bags.

The team, which has called Gravenhurst and the Graeme Murray Arena their home rink for the past 13 seasons, has made the decision to embark on a new venture.

“We know many local fans will be disappointed to learn of the Shield leaving our community, but we are proud of the long relationship and high quality hockey entertainment that has been showcased at the Centennial Centre.  We wish the entire team and management continued success,” said Mayor Paisley Donaldson.

Shield team president and general manager Frank Demasi issued the following statement:

“Dave Ryan and I would like to thank the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre for allowing us to use their facility the past four seasons. 

“The Gravenhurst Centennial Centre is a great building with great staff and we wish everyone well. We hope to see all of our loyal fans in September in the Port Carling Arena.”

With the Shield’s announcement to depart, the town says it will continue to work with its present dedicated organizations and user groups to finalize the schedule for the 2018 -2019 season.

“There has been a lot of interest shown from outside organizations looking to make Gravenhurst and the Graeme Murray Arena part of their strategy moving forward. We look forward to working with those groups and finding the best fit for our community,” said Marta Proctor, director communications, culture and recreation.