The Selkirk Steelers are still stickhandling their way through the many Covid-19 restrictions issued but they can’t wait to take their shots on Manitoba Junior Hockey League ice again.
“The Covid protocols are going to be a challenge, but at least it lets us play hockey,” said Hudson Friesen, who has taken over from Nick Lubimov as the Steelers head coach.
Those protocols include MJHL players, staff and officials being mandated to wear masks when entering and exiting MJHL facilities, on the buses, and in restaurants and hotels. They don’t have to wear masks on the ice. The limited members of public who will attend games will also be encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
“It’s definitely been an unprecedented couple of months,” said Friesen, 27. “But all of our players are on board with following all of the protocols. Everyone has families and grandparents and we want to make sure everyone stays safe.”
The MJHL has added an expansion franchise, the Winnipeg Freeze, owned by 50 Below Sports and Entertainment (which also operates the Winnipeg Blues). That has allowed the league to establish three divisions of four teams each this season. The schedule has been reduced to 40 games (from 60) with each team playing 24 games within its own division.
The Steelers will join the Steinbach Pistons, Blues and Freeze in the Southeast Division. They will play each of the other eight teams twice. Travel will also be restricted, with breaks in the schedule to allow for possible Covid or weather concerns.
Not a single player opted out due to Covid worries, Friesen said.
“There’s definitely been a lot of uncertainty but everyone’s excited to be back on the ice,” he said.
The 2019-20 MJHL season had been shut down before it was over due to the pandemic so, it was a longer off-season than usual.
Tryout camps started this month.
“We’re excited about the group we have here,” said Friesen, a Steelers alumni who served as an assistant coach and business manager the past three years. “We have 12 veterans coming back and we have some good 17-year-olds competing for a lot of open spots.”
Those veterans include forward Blake Burr, the team’s MVP and top scorer with 28 goals and 52 points (ninth in the MJHL) in 60 games last season. The newcomers include prized recruit Ty Smith, who scored 23 goals and 56 points in 47 games with the Winnipeg Wild (midget) last season.
The Steelers, who missed the playoffs last year, have also added the venerable Al Hares as their senior advisor and associate coach.
The MJHL season opens Oct. 9.
