The Tisdale Trojans' training camp at Elgar Petersen Arena in Humboldt in 2019 (Aaron Schulze/northeastNOW Staff).

By Aaron Schulze

Return to Play

Saskatchewan hockey programs still in limbo ahead of rinks re-opening

Jul 5, 2020 | 11:10 AM

July 6 marks a significant step for Saskatchewan hockey programs wanting to resume play and practice.

Indoor rinks and indoor sports and activities can resume on July 6 during Part Three of Phase Four of Re-Open Saskatchewan.

Despite the first step, and leagues such as the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League having planned return to play protocols, some teams in the province still have questions regarding when they can start skating as a group.

Dennis Kubat, head coach of the Tisdale Trojans in the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL), said his team and others in the league still need to have a schedule meeting.

“I think it’s going to be a slow process, but you’ve got to start somewhere,” Kubat said. “[SMAAAHL] haven’t told us anything going forward of when we can start camp or when our exhibition season can get going. It’s almost like a waiting game for us; waiting for that green light so we can get going here.”

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As his players are set to report to Tisdale in under two months, the same as other players in other leagues, Kubat hopes the SMAAAHL can set a schedule meeting shortly following the re-opening of indoor rinks.

Even if a set return date emerges, the limit on public and private gatherings is 30 during Phase Four of Re-Open Saskatchewan. Kubat said a gathering limit would make a traditional training camp difficult to conduct, but it could be a rewarding learning experience.

“Even if there’s no contact, we can do a lot with skills and shooting sessions,” he said. “[The players] continue to learn and adapt. It’s making the best out of the situation we’re given; all the teams are in the same boat.”

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aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow