Mount Royal University in Alberta has cancelled its ice hockey intramural over a desire to be more “accessible and inclusive.”

Mount Royal University Cougars Athletics & Recreation released a statement last week explaining its decision to scrap its campus hockey programming.

“We have recently assessed ice hockey intramurals through our Accessible and Inclusive Programs Audit, an Equity Analysis, our Program Needs Assessment, informal feedback and observation,” the Aug. 31 statement said. 

“These assessments and moments to pause and reevaluate are crucial in order to contribute and work towards achieving an accessible and inclusive program where all feel they belong. While there has been evidence of ice hockey creating a sense of belonging for some, there are critical areas that require improvement.” 

The university said some examples of inaccessibility include the cost of programming and late evening games. 

The Counter Signal spoke to former player and student Conor Monaghan who blasted the university for caving to cancel culture. Monaghan played with his friends on the Bangkok Baddies team in 2021.

“I would say that cancel culture is playing a big factor in this. Rather than having a conversation with the participants involved, the university has decided to completely extinguish ice hockey,” Monoghan said. “I guess they have decided that hockey culture doesn’t align with their morals as an institution.”

Monoghan also said he doesn’t understand the cancellation, considering participants have the option to play. He said the university could have made alternate choices rather than outright cancellation. 

“I know my friends are extremely disappointed, as we were looking forward to playing for another season before we graduated,” Monaghan told The Counter Signal. 

The university said it’s exploring “options and strategies” as to whether inclusive and equitable opportunities for ice hockey will be possible in the future.” It’s also considering a “floorball” team to offer a “similar experience” to hockey.