Just like that; it was all over.
As the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) made the call to cancel the remainder of the season and playoffs on March 23, Kyle Topping香蕉视频直播檚 four-year career with the Kelowna Rockets came to an end.
With professional sports events being delayed and cancelled around the globe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the end of the season hit a little harder for the Rockets who were set to host the 2020 Memorial Cup in May.
香蕉视频直播淲e knew it was a possibility, our group was hoping for a miracle that things would turn around,香蕉视频直播� said Topping.
香蕉视频直播淏ut it香蕉视频直播檚 understandable and it香蕉视频直播檚 what they needed to do to keep the league safe. That was one of the tougher weeks (in my career), and I feel for our whole group. It香蕉视频直播檚 definitely pretty heartbreaking and not the way I wanted to go out.香蕉视频直播�
By hosting the Memorial Cup, the Rockets were guaranteed a spot in the CHL championships, a prize they haven香蕉视频直播檛 won since 2004 and haven香蕉视频直播檛 competed for since 2015.
For Topping, one of three 20-year-olds on the Rockets whose four years in the league means an end to his WHL career, the Memorial Cup was meant to be a special end to his time in Kelowna.
Though the coronavirus may have taken away a shot at that special end, nothing can take away the four years of fond memories Topping has with only WHL team he香蕉视频直播檚 ever played for.
香蕉视频直播淭o stay in the same spot in my junior career is pretty special,香蕉视频直播� said Topping.
香蕉视频直播淭he Rockets are a first-class organization. Each of my four years were a little different. The first was special because you香蕉视频直播檙e new to everything, my second year was a bigger year and a bigger role. I was hoping for a big final year, but it is what it is.香蕉视频直播�
香蕉视频直播淟ooking back, it was an awesome ride and I香蕉视频直播檒l always call Kelowna a second home.香蕉视频直播�
In his 226 games with the Rockets, Topping had 196 points and averaged almost a point per game in the last three seasons while playing in a leadership role as an alternative captain. His gritty, two-way and consistent game allowed him to slide into any line and any role that Kelowna needed.
His energy and tenacity meant that if the team needed a goal, a hit, a fight or a big play, Topping was often there to oblige for his team and the Kelowna fans.
Really tough way to have it all end.
香蕉视频直播� Kyle Topping (@Topping11)
Loved this group.
While sports and close to everything else has been put on pause during the pandemic, there香蕉视频直播檚 a lot of uncertainty with where Topping香蕉视频直播檚 hockey career will next take him.
For now, it香蕉视频直播檚 relaxing in his hometown on Salt Spring Island and seeing where things will be at the end of the pandemic. And through it all, it香蕉视频直播檚 the little things he said he香蕉视频直播檒l miss most.
香蕉视频直播淭hat everyday life in Kelowna, coming to the rink every day, seeing the guys and just playing for the Rockets. It was pretty special.香蕉视频直播�
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