Drumheller Minor Hockey received some good news last week that could pave the way for the season.
Hockey Canada sent out an update on COVID-19 precautions and the return to hockey process in Canada.
“After ongoing discussions with the board of directors, our chief medical officer, the 13 members and public health authorities across the country, it has been determined the best approach for a return to hockey in Canada is to allow each member the opportunity to work with authorities in their respective regions to determine when it is safe to return to the ice in areas that fall under their jurisdiction. We expect the timing of each member’s return to hockey will be different but will be based on the advice of their government and public health authority,” said Hockey Canada’s Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president, and chief operating officer in a statement.
This means local community associations in Alberta are able to follow the health and safety standards of Alberta as it navigates its relaunch. In Alberta, the opening of arenas was moved up from Stage 3 to Stage 2 last week.
President of Drumheller Minor Hockey, Lyle Cawiezel has a positive outlook toward the changes. He says it filters down to when the Town of Drumheller is able to open the arena.
“There are a few layers to it, like anything,” said Cawiezel.
Drumheller Minor Hockey opened up its registration last week for the upcoming season.
“We’ll run that for a couple of weeks and see what our numbers look like and start preparing for the season. We expect to be on the ice, but we’re not sure what that is going to look like,” he said.
He said they hope eventually there will be meaningful games, beyond just practices.
The registration form is up on the Drumheller Minor Hockey website and is open until June 24.
Drumheller Minor Hockey held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, June 4, and there are some new faces on the executive.
“We have alternating two-year terms so there are some new faces every year and we keep some continuity,” he said.
Krystal Sharpe is on special events, Stephanie McDermott is the new registrar, Scott Freilinger is the vice president and Kevin Hunter is the Drumleller Minor Hockey CAHL Representative.

    Phase 2. Here’s to the reopening of fitness centres, spas, movie theatres and Alberta parks. Some of you probably already got pedicures this weekend, while some will continue to distance themselves unsure of how to respond to the relaunch.
    This weekend, a couple friends and I ventured to Kananaskis for a hike and long overdue girl time. We picked an unpopular trail to avoid crowds, left early to practice social distancing and packed a lunch and snacks to avoid sharing food.
    There’s something about hiking in the mountains, with no cell reception and only the sound of water and birds that just relaxes the soul and brings peace to the mind. For a few hours, we were able to escape our daily stressors and forget that despite the phase 2 relaunch, CoVID remains a real threat.
    We are lucky in Alberta. Lucky to have low enough numbers compared to our neighbours down South to go for a hike in the mountains.
    After our hike, we came home and watched a live stream concert by my favourite performer, Brandi Carlile. She and her family remain in quarantine in the States. All my friends who work in the US remain in quarantine. Those in Health Care only leaving their homes to go to work. One of them, a gastroenterologist, is now a bonafide ICU physician because they’re desperate for any doctors to help. He told us the entire ICU is packed with COVID patients and every day he’s terrified. Yes, we are very lucky. We cannot become complacent.
    I must continue to stress the importance of good hygiene — frequent handwashing, carrying and using sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available and to avoid touching your face.
    Support each other and respect each other’s comfort levels. For some, that involves shopping with a mask. For others, it’s the freedom of a hike with a couple safe family friends. Don’t judge comfort levels - they will vary immensely and change over time.
    The last thing any of us want to see is an ongoing rise in numbers that forces us back indoors and on lockdown. Manage risk responsibly as you spread your wings just a little wider.