The Lord Selkirk Royals are hoping to skate out of pandemic limbo in early November.
“I’m still patiently waiting to see if things go smoothly to see if we are able to play,” Royals head coach Michael Buffie told the Selkirk Settler Times.
However, Winnipeg High School Hockey League president Dana Gordon is optimistic that the circuit will get the official go-ahead, despite the recent, concerning COVID-19 numbers in the Winnipeg area.
“I’m the president so, the show must go on,” Gordon said. “The goal is to start Nov. 2nd, as long as we get given the green light from (Public Health) for Phase 3.”
But only 12 of the 37 teams have committed to playing this season – namely St. Paul’s 1 and 2, Garden City, Linden Christian, St. John’s Ravenscourt, Fort Richmond, College Leo Remillard, West Kildonan, Westwood, Steinbach, Lorette and Selkirk.
“The fact that we still have 12 teams is fantastic,” said Gordon, a Kildonan East teacher. “We’re moving into scheduling, trying to make it the best for everyone.”
Some Winnipeg school divisions will not allow their teams to travel outside of the city to play due to COVID-19 concerns. So, Gordon has adjusted the schedule to address such issues.
“It’s going to be one division this year, so there’s going to be some pretty uneven scores,” she said. “But it’s better than not playing at all.”
If the WHSHL does get the nod to play, the Royals will be allowed to travel, but not by bus.
“The students will drive to the games with a limit of two players per vehicle,” said Buffie, who just completed tryouts in mid-October. “We will be playing in mini-bubbles where we will play one team three times in a two-week period.”
The same Covid protocols issued to other hockey leagues at the arenas would be in place for the WHSHL.
“This would just give the players a chance to play, especially the Grade 12 students,” Buffie added.
Even if it gets the go-ahead, another COVID wave could end the season prematurely.
“We’ll be the one least likely to complete a season,” said Gordon, who is hoping to keep all of the critical WHSHL sponsors on board.
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Women’s High School Hockey League has decided to delay the start of its season.
“The executive is reviewing options to return to play in 2021, including a shortened season,” its website posted.
