Maitland hope to rebuild and return in 2021 but the club won't field a team in this year's Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League (HCPHL).
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The Rams, who made the semi-finals last season, withdrew based on player availability and it means HCPHL will now be reduced to a five-team competition starting next Sunday.
"Maitland's withdrawal from HCPHL this season was due to player availability - sighting work, financial and family commitments," HCPHL chairman John Mayers said.
"Maitland believe this is a temporary setback and will look at pushing their younger players into second division for experience and ready them for season 2021.
"While it is disappointing for the HCPHL we will work with the stakeholders in Maitland hockey for next season and beyond. We are currently pushing ahead with a five-team HCPHL season kicking off July 19."
Three-time defending champions Gosford are still the sole Central Coast outfit in what will be an abbreviated campaign delayed by the coronavirus crisis. Norths, Souths, Wests and University fly the Newcastle flag.
The Newcastle District Women's Hockey Association premier league, due to start on July 18, is set to lose Avoca and The Entrance.
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