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“He’s an outstanding kid that did so much in the community. This is tough, but, obviously, having four overage players, we had to make a move.”

The Spitfires had four overage players on the roster and can only play three in a game. As well, the club is carrying nine defencemen on the roster when only six normally dress.

“I was hopeful that it wouldn’t be me and it was a tough situation with all the overagers,” said Sanvido, who will return to Windsor with the Wolves on March 5. “It was a challenging first half of the season. We knew one had to go.”

Sanvido had not dressed for the club since Dec. 4 and had appeared in just 18 of the team’s 32 games this season.

“He’s a very big reason why our team is in the situation it is,” said Spitfires head coach Rocky Thompson, whose team is ranked No. 8 in the CHL rankings. “He’s helped cultivate this environment.

“It’s tough no matter who it is.

“This is a hard day for not only our players and office staff and coaching staff. It’s tough on us. Patrick’s been a big part of our team. He’s a great leader, he’s a good player and he has a great future, but this is tough for me.”

But Sanvido, who had five goals and 36 points along with 218 penalty minutes in his career, is anxious to get back on the ice.

“It was tough to hear it and it’s tough telling the billets and calling my mom and letting her know,” Sanvido said. “At the time, I was pretty upset, but now I’m excited to have the opportunity to play hockey. Going to Sudbury gives me that opportunity.”