STATEMENT in response to having to forfeit playoff game

STATEMENT by MOUNT FOREST PATRIOTS (In response to the decision made by the PJHL):

The Mount Forest Patriots mistakenly left a registered, and eligible player off the game sheet during game three’s 4-3 win over the Fergus Whalers on Tuesday, March 11th, 2025. This resulted in Fergus protesting the game, causing the Mount Forest Patriots to forfeit game three due to the decision. It is our stance that we are a league filled with committed volunteers and mistakes can/will happen. We also believe that this omission didn’t create any disadvantage to the Fergus Whalers since this player has been on our roster all year. This is a decision made that significantly impacts our players as we have five players who age out after this year, and a remaining roster who wants to compete for our division championship. We also firmly believe that games should be won on the ice, not in the boardroom.

Since there was no exact precedent set anywhere else under the Hockey Canada umbrella, the league had to revert back to the rule book for their determination. Since our player was inadvertently left off the game sheet, and no one (including on-ice officials) noticed this omission by the end of the game, the player became an ineligible player even though that player was a properly registered player, and did not have a suspension.

Moving forward, the Mount Forest Patriots are ready to play Game 5 this Saturday night at 8 pm in Mount Forest. Please come out to support our PLAYERS!

Josh Keil, General Manager, Mount Forest Patriots.