KERROBERT — The demise of Kerrobert’s West Central Rage is not new news, however the Press-Herald/SASKTODAY.ca had a chance to catch up to longtime board member, Greg Kraft, to learn of what led to the difficult decision for the team to officially withdraw from the Prairie Junior Hockey League.
Trying to recover from two COVID-19 interrupted seasons, the West Central Rage took a one-year leave of absence from the PJHL in 2021. However, the hiatus had a negative impact on the team’s financials and the team’s bench staff, as they were unable to keep a general manager and head coach while the league was shut down.
A lengthy search for a head coach and general manager came close to success a few times, but team spokesperson, Greg Kraft, said it didn’t work out.
To compound the issues being experienced in restarting the junior B hockey team in Kerrobert, several board members decided they were ready to take a step back after being involved with the Rage for many years. With no coach, no general manager and a small board of directors, the sad decision was made to withdraw from the PJHL.
“This was a very difficult decision as Junior B hockey played a big role in West Central Sask. for many players trying to make the next step to Junior A college or senior men’s hockey,” says Kraft.
Kraft adds, “I feel that there is a need for Junior B hockey in this area and would hope one day a community in West Central Sask. would try to take that on. We would be happy to help out if there is interest as we have a locker room full of equipment that would help get them started. “
Recreation Director Bobbi Hebron, said in an earlier statement, she works to fill the times left vacant by the Rage and works with the girls’ teams, the AA teams, the carded teams and local teams for more games and tournaments. The loss of Rage practices is mostly filled with AA teams who have requested regular practices in Kerrobert.
In a September 2021 story about the one-year leave of absence requested for the PJHL, Rage board member, Brad Murphy, made a profound statement acknowledging that economically the Rage will be missed in Kerrobert as they brought in out-of-town traffic that contributed to the hospitality sector in local purchases like fuel and food, and at times accommodations.
The West Central Rage was founded in 2009 and while they missed the playoffs for their starting years in the PJHL, they lost in the division semifinal in 2013-14 and were in first-round and survivor series from thereon in.
