Back in the game
Cape Breton parents happy with return of sports, despite not being allowed inside to watch
SYDNEY, N.S. — Angie MacDonald-Fraser would like nothing more than to be able to go to the rink and watch her son Lucas play hockey.
Unfortunately, MacDonald-Fraser and fellow Cape Breton parents will be shut out from watching their kids play their respective sports for at least another two weeks.
On Friday, the provincial government extended its COVID-19 restrictions until Feb. 7 at 11:59 p.m. However, eased restrictions on sports teams, allowing clubs to return to game action with no spectators, including media, permitted to attend.
'IT'S TIME'
Although no fans will be inside the rink supporting the players, MacDonald-Fraser is happy her son will be able to play games again, instead of only being allowed to practice, which has been the case for more than a month.
“I think it’s going to be great to get the kids back on the ice and playing games again,” said MacDonald-Fraser, who’s involved in various different hockey teams and organizations on the island.
“It’s been an extremely long time and I know everyone is excited to get back to some competition. You can only do so much in practice, but the coaches have been fantastic — it’s time.”
Games were paused for minor hockey teams in mid-December as part of the province’s holiday restrictions. Teams returned to the ice earlier this month for practice only.
Meanwhile, provincial hockey leagues were paused in November after restrictions were put in place for clubs in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Cape Breton teams were allowed to practice.
League play, both locally and provincially, will be allowed to resume play today.
EXAM WEEK
As for the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation, activities will also resume today. However, the Cape Breton High School Hockey League won’t play any games until at least Thursday due to exam week.
Adrian Gould’s son plays with the Sydney Mitsubishi Rush of the Nova Scotia Under-18 Major Hockey League, which hasn’t played a game in more than two months.
Like MacDonald-Fraser, Gould is pleased his son will have an opportunity to return to competitive action in the coming days.
“It’s exciting for me and I assume everyone else is excited as well,” said Gould. “No fans will to be tough for a lot of parents, but we’re happy the kids can actually play hockey and will have an opportunity to be spotted.”
Gould said as a parent he understands the rules and knows why there in place.
“It’s about the kids,” he said.
“I don’t think these rules are going to change for the rest of the season, but I think our kids being able to play is the main thing for us.”
MATTER OF MOTIVATION
Kyle Baldwin is the president of the New Waterford Minor hockey Association. He’s also a parent and coaches of three different teams this season.
“It’s great news — it’s not perfect, but at the end of the day the kids are playing hockey and that’s our goal,” said Baldwin. “It’s great for mental health, great for their physical activity and it’s great for the community to see some restrictions easing a bit, so it’s positive all around.”
When restrictions were put in place to only allow practices, Baldwin admits he didn’t know what would happen in terms of keeping players motivated and wanting to play the sport.
Instead of having the same practices each ice time, Baldwin and his fellow coaches found creative ways to keep the players interested including scrimmage games as well as three-on-three tournaments.
“It wasn’t nearly as much of a challenge as I thought it was going to be,” said Baldwin. “All the kids bought into what we were doing, and it made it easy for us as coaches and an association.”
SOCCER IN SPRING
Overall, Baldwin said the feedback he’s received from parents about the new rules has been positive for the most part.
“It’s really the kids that matter,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine being on the outside looking in, but fortunately I get to be part of it right now, but I totally understand how tough things would be as I’m a parent myself.”
Prior to the easing of sports restrictions, Soccer Cape Breton announced earlier this month the organization wouldn’t be entering teams in the Nova Scotia Soccer League for indoor play this winter.
“At this point, we want to ensure our soccer community is safe and well and we are able to deliver and facilitate programs effectively,” said Soccer Cape Breton in social media post.
“We are focusing on spring and summer programs at this point and will continue to work with Soccer Nova Scotia to ensure we are ready for next season.”
Meanwhile, Basketball Cape Breton programs haven’t started yet along with the Cape Breton High School Basketball League.
Volleyball Cape Breton Association released its teams for the 2021 club season Tuesday. More information about the organization’s season was not available at press time.