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害羞草研究所檚 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.
害羞草研究所淲e knew it was a possibility, our group was hoping for a miracle that things would turn around,害羞草研究所� said Topping.
害羞草研究所淏ut it害羞草研究所檚 understandable and it害羞草研究所檚 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害羞草研究所檚 definitely pretty heartbreaking and not the way I wanted to go out.害羞草研究所�
By hosting the Memorial Cup, the Rockets were guaranteed a spot in the CHL championships, a prize they haven害羞草研究所檛 won since 2004 and haven害羞草研究所檛 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害羞草研究所檚 ever played for.
害羞草研究所淭o stay in the same spot in my junior career is pretty special,害羞草研究所� said Topping.
害羞草研究所淭he Rockets are a first-class organization. Each of my four years were a little different. The first was special because you害羞草研究所檙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.害羞草研究所�
害羞草研究所淟ooking back, it was an awesome ride and I害羞草研究所檒l always call Kelowna a second home.害羞草研究所�
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.
害羞草研究所� Kyle Topping (@Topping11)
Loved this group.
While sports and close to everything else has been put on pause during the pandemic, there害羞草研究所檚 a lot of uncertainty with where Topping害羞草研究所檚 hockey career will next take him.
For now, it害羞草研究所檚 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害羞草研究所檚 the little things he said he害羞草研究所檒l miss most.
害羞草研究所淭hat everyday life in Kelowna, coming to the rink every day, seeing the guys and just playing for the Rockets. It was pretty special.害羞草研究所�
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