(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

A feeling of normalcy

For the love of the game… and friendships

Jun 11, 2020 | 2:00 PM

There was no championship trophy on the line, or even an announcer calling the play-by-play, but the look of excitement on the faces of dozens of young Prince Albert hockey players Wednesday night suggested something far more important was at stake.

Ashton Tait, 13, organized a small road hockey tournament in the parking lot beside the Crescent Acres rink, tennis court courts, and ball diamonds. The youth have been stuck indoors the past few months as a result of COVID-19 protocols, and only this week when some restrictions were lifted, were allowed to go back outdoors and play the game they love.

“It’s been really tough. I missed out on spring hockey season and so it’s good to start shooting around,” Tait said.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Tait explained he organized the event as a means to get back people together and hang out. Close to 30 youth turned out for the event Wednesday night, and another 30 are expected for the second set of games Thursday night.

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“I was really excited. There’s a couple people here I haven’t seen in a while,” Tait said.

Oblivious to the action around them, the young players ran back and forth across the parking lot for the better part of two hours. A few passing cars stopped to get a better look at the action, and a group of proud parents stood by as well, watching with their coffee mugs and cameras in hand. Carrie Twidale said it was a good feeling seeing the kids play.

“It’s been really hard. I mean they are so used to being active and having things to do, and running around and there’s only so much space in your home,” she said. “Being able to have them outside and doing what they love is really fun for everybody”:

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell