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By Ian Gustafson

waiting to skate

Adult recreational hockey awaits end of COVID-related suspension in P.A. area

Nov 18, 2020 | 2:00 PM

Adult recreational hockey activities in Prince Albert and area have been suspended to prevent the ongoing spread of COVID-19.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) suspended the activities as of Nov. 10 in Prince Albert, Birch Hills, St. Louis, Shellbrook and the RM of Buckland. The order specifies the facilities must stop all adult recreation activities including practices, games and meetings at the arenas for 28 days beginning Nov. 10. This means adult recreation could return on Dec. 7, although that’s subject to review by the SHA.

In an email to paNOW from the SHA, Prince Albert medical health officer Dr. Khami Chokani said they issued the public health order because of a COVID-19 exposure that affected numerous people in late October linked to adult recreation hockey teams and their spectators in the P.A. area.

“This order was required because a positive exposure was confirmed within the league, but due to its structure the league had no attendance tracking that would allow contact tracers to effectively complete their trace investigations,” he said in the statement.

The affected facilities include the rinks in Prince Albert, Birch Hills, Shellbrook and St. Louis.

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“Operators and owners of each facility have been contacted directly, as the teams are not managed by an official league or association, which means they did not formally track games, players or teams under the Re-Open Saskatchewan Guidelines for sports and activities,” he added.

Local rec league offers insight

Director of the Ernie Heit Memorial Hockey League, Jesse Heit, said they were made aware of the new order on Nov. 9 three hours before opening night of their games.

Heit told paNOW they’re not arguing against the shutdown and support it, and are willing to do what it takes to keep people safe. However, he can’t help but feel frustrated by the decision.

“Yeah I think we’re in the same boat,” he said. “You know we’re all frustrated, disappointed, but at the same time we’re trying to be diligent and cautious. We don’t want to set anyone back further, so I think everyone is just used to the restrictions put on us.

“We will persevere,” he added.

Despite the circumstances, he said they’re hoping after the 28 days are up, they will still be able to start playing.

He explained they use Prince Albert facilities and were adhering to the COVID-19 precautions at various arenas and all measures that are implemented for everyone who enters the rink.

“We had every protocol in place and it still wasn’t enough for them,” he said. “That was the only kind of frustrating part is they [SHA] didn’t even give us a chance, but we’re probably going to have a shortened 20 game season and with any luck they’re just going to let us do that as of Dec. 7.”

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Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: iangustafson12