Hopefully everyone is stocked up and ready for Thanksgiving because it may be the last time we’ll see the outside world for some time. Out in Rochester, New York, we’re currently moving towards an “orange zone” meaning our strict regulations are set to become even stricter. I would say that it’s easy to tune into a junior hockey game but those seem to be fewer and further between each and every day.
COVID-19 Stopping League Play
The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) was notified last Saturday that the league will be put on hold until further notice.
“Due to the new restrictions posted by the B.C. public health officer and the information supplied by the B.C. Hockey, the league has declared all games will be postponed starting Saturday while the situation is being evaluated and the league receives instructions to proceed again. Information will be updated as we find out more. To our fans – we appreciate your patience and support during these constantly changing times,” said an official statement from the league.
However, in somewhat of a bright spot for the league, it appears that gameplay may not be officially ruled out. The only restriction which has been put in place is a travel ban and that fans will no longer be allowed in rinks.
What’s Happening in the USHL – COVID-19 Update
After several games were postponed in the USHL last weekend due to COVID, there hasn’t been much information coming from the United States’ premier junior hockey league. The statements they issue are a boilerplate and the only information that changes are the teams that are affected that week. On their website, they aren’t posting anything new under their News section and aren’t releasing any other statements.
In a tumultuous season where everyone is struggling, is the USHL keeping everything under wraps to ensure fans can still attend games to increase revenue? While there is a lot to speculate about, it does bring questions to the table. Why hasn’t anyone from the league addressed how COVID is being managed? Why hasn’t there been a statement on games that have been postponed other than the boilerplate template? Have there been any players or staff members who have contracted COVID at any point this season? Every other league seems to be transparent about their COVID procedures other than the USHL.
World Juniors Sees First Positive Case
Last Saturday a non-core member of Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team tested positive for COVID. The World Juniors are being hosted in a “bubble” in Alberta and Edmonton without spectators for the duration of the tournament. The infected member has been placed in quarantine in their respective hotel room until they are no longer positive or symptomatic.
Selection camps are still taking place before rosters are finalized for the tournament.
The fate of North American junior hockey looms closer and closer to darkness each week but until then, we’ve got you covered! Check back next week to listen to our latest podcasts and to get the latest junior hockey news. Be sure to follow @TJHP on Twitter along with me, @Nwinansw. We’ll see you next week.
