(Canadian Press/ File photo)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Back in the rink

Change.org petition for return to hockey games gains traction

Sep 18, 2020 | 3:38 PM

At this time in ‘normal’ years, the Western Hockey League would playing its first games of the regular season. The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League would be in its second week and the Saskatchewan Under-18 AAA leagues would be wrapping up their preseasons.

Not only have no hockey leagues started yet, but there is also no beginning in sight.

The Saskatchewan Hockey Association said in a release the Saskatchewan Health Authority was “not prepared to provide a set date” of when hockey games can begin. That was back on Aug. 12, but nothing has changed since.

As stores and businesses have reopened, schools are back in session, and other sports have completed their summer seasons, the Sask. Health Authority has been silent on when and if hockey leagues and games can go again. That’s left players, coaches, officials, governors, parents, fans, rink staff, and even media members in the dark.

“You don’t even know what to do,” said Kelly Taylor, a hockey dad, hockey podcaster, and quite possibly the most famous backup goaltender in Prince Albert Mintos history. “It’s hard to schedule anything. And if you do know something’s going to happen down the line, things change. In these times of uncertainty, you just don’t know what to do. You hope they play.”

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Frustration has brewed throughout the province to a point where a petition on Change.org was created. In its third day, the Premier Scott Moe – Return Saskatchewan to Hockey petition has over 4,100 signatures of its goal of 5,000.

“We are calling on Premier Scott Moe to approve a return to hockey in 2020 and communicate to our province rather than continue to be silent,” the petition said.

Ashlee Schmidt is about as involved with hockey as one could be. She’s a hockey mom, a mental preparations coach for the Mintos, and runs the Northern Regional Recreation Centre rink.

“I think there are many benefits to sports, obviously, and hockey is a pretty huge sport in Prince Albert and in Saskatchewan,” Schmidt said. “I think the sooner we can start to return to some normalcy, especially for our kids and their mental health, their physical health, the better. Personally, I don’t see a difference if we run hockey camps.”

Right now, hockey teams are allowed to run camps, and hold practices and tryouts. A maximum of 30 kids can be on the ice at the same time, with one parent for each kid being allowed in the rink to watch. Other restrictions apply.

Although some want more access and more games, Schmidt said hockey communities should be grateful for what they have now.

“It’s a privilege to be watching our children right now, it’s not a right,” Schmidt said. “We aren’t guaranteed the opportunity to watch so we really have to respect that and we have to pay attention to what that looks like, because it truly is a privilege to watch right now—and play, too.”

Taylor actually appreciates the physical distancing and the lack of parents in the rink, saying it makes for a better viewing experience.

“I wouldn’t mind being six feet from anyone and say no yelling. Maybe this is the new way to go. I don’t need to hear ‘skate, skate, dump it in,’” Taylor joked. “Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.”

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW