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Along the way, university officials said their aim was to relaunch men’s hockey in 2016-17.

That was the environment Schryburt entered March 30 as the university’s new director of Sports Services, replacing the retired Luc Gélineau.

“Out of respect for everything that was done here, all the players that played … Gee-Gees hockey has been around for a while, and, because we have a fairly successful women’s hockey program, I think it’s normal that we do examine the whole thing and we give the process a fair chance,” said the former director of international programming for the Coaching Association of Canada. “Again, it’s not something I will do on my own. I want to make sure I get the proper people around the table and create an advisory committee.”

That committee would presumably look at the circumstances under which Gee-Gees varsity men’s hockey could return, including funding requirements.

It’s not as simple as hiring a coach one day and playing a game on the next. More likely is something like the model Carleton University used in reviving its football program, with coaches hired a year or more ahead of the first game and financial support to cover the cost of recruiting players to build a competitive roster.

“I haven’t even met with the hockey alumni people yet, but there must be people who will be a bit more cautious,” Schryburt said. “You need to take baby steps before you run and before you eventually skate. So it’s not restarting from zero, but I think it’s a relaunching process that we need to take care of in the right, appropriate manner.”