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.
