Low Numbers Force Richfield to Cancel Varsity Hockey Season

RICHFIELD (AP) — Richfield High School has canceled its boy's varsity hockey program for this season because of a low number of players.

Spartans' coach Dave Shute had said earlier his 11 skaters and two goalies were planning to play. Then two players were suspended for two games and another quit.

On Wednesday, Shute told players and parents the season was canceled. He says it was "a sad, sad day."

Richfield made six state tournament appearances from 1962 to 1991. But the program struggled to stay competitive in recent years. The Spartans went 2-22 last season.

Richfield will look to form a co-op with another program next season.