SEASON PUT ON ICE
Minor hockey comes to abrupt halt
Minor hockey came to a screeching halt late Thursday night.
By the time the clock struck midnight, the very last Saskatoon minor hockey games of the season were played across the city, with the Saskatoon Contacts wrapping up their season with a 5-3 loss to the Moose Jaw Warriors in a late Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League playoff game at Merlis Belsher Place.
Earlier that evening, Hockey Canada announced it was cancelling sanctioned activities across the nation due to COVID -19. That meant games, practices, tournaments and championships were all put on ice until next season.
It was a sweeping move across the country.
“There was not a choice (locally),” said Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association executive director Kelly Boes.
“It’s interesting times. We were (close to finishing the season) and we thought we might just limp through things and get it done, but it didn’t happen. You definitely feel for the 17-year-old kids who never really had a chance to finish it on the ice, one way or another. It was an abrupt end for kids who are done minor hockey, for sure. It applies to junior kids, too, who won’t be able to play their last game as a 20-year-old, or 21-yearold in junior B, as well.
“It’s just one of those things. Hopefully the kids who played (Thursday night) had some fun.”
Boes was on his way home from work when a notice from Hockey Canada came his way. He pulled over his car. He admits that he needed to contact Hockey Canada directly for clarification and confirmation after an initial statement came out.
“Even I was not 100 per cent sure — it never came out and said ‘all minor hockey’ but it said ‘all sanctioned’ activities,” Boes said.
SMHA quickly began “pumping out” messages to the various zones and all the AA teams from Saskatoon who play in the Saskatchewan AA Hockey League.
“It all happened very quickly,” noted Boes, adding that they had finished putting together a note earlier in the day saying they would be continuing play and, “then, three hours later, we’re getting a note that you’re not continuing anymore.”
Generally speaking, those affected have been understanding, he said.
“I didn’t get any opinions or anything, but I did get disbelief and shock.”
SJHL STOPS PLAY
There were seven teams still remaining — the Battlefords North Stars, Flin Flon Bombers, Melfort Mustangs, La Ronge Ice Wolves, Nipawin Hawks, Estevan Bruins and Yorkton Terriers — when SJHL playoffs were abruptly stopped Thursday.
The league had to follow suit following a decision by Hockey Canada.
“I could agree or disagree, and it doesn’t really matter because their decision is made,” said SJHL president Bill Chow. “We are a part of Hockey Canada and we follow their decision. Obviously, it’s out of our hands. What’s done is done. Whether we agree or disagree is irrelevant. It’s a decision that’s been made. That’s what we live with.”
Even the University Cup, where the University of Saskatchewan Huskies were shockingly eliminated by the Western Mustangs, abruptly stopped late Thursday night after opening day action.