COVID-19 taking toll on pros, players and fans
Sports is a big part of many people’s lives, and losing it has been tough
What a confusing time we are living in.
It’s been hard to sift through the onslaught of COVID-19 information and misinformation we have consumed in recent months.
At first we were told masks don’t help prevent the spread, then we are told we should all wear masks in public to minimize the spread. We’re told the virus originated in an open air food market in China and now there are reports it might have been accidentally leaked from a Chinese laboratory. We are told by U.S. president Donald Trump to use a malaria drug to ward off the virus then we’re told research suggests the drug’s side effects are more dangerous than it is helpful. Then we’re told the research was flawed and the drug needs more study only to be told again the drug’s dangers outweigh its benefits.
We’re told children don’t seem affected by the virus and later we’re told some children are suffering unexpected inflammatory ailments. There are those who tell us social distancing is required to flatten the curve and protect the health care system from being overrun. Others suggest we’re only prolonging the virus’ existence and herd immunity may be the only longterm remedy.
So it’s easy to see why there has been such a scattershot approach to battling the virus in North America.
Amid this confusion sports leagues are trying to figure out when, if and how they should return to action.
While “there’s more important things than sports” has been a common refrain during the pandemic, the past three months has also highlighted the role sports plays in society.
Sport isn’t everyone’s bag, just as art or dance or theatre or literature or exercise isn’t everyone’s escape. But for those who love sports it’s an important part of a healthy lifestyle or a diversion from the daily grind. For some it is their livelihood.
So there is significant desire to get back to action and growing consternation about the uncertain timelines.
Peterborough Century 21 Lakers fans are grappling with the loss of their season and a chance at a record-tying fourth straight Mann Cup.
Petes fans, barely over the disappointment of an aborted playoff run, now face the possibility that next season is also in jeopardy.
Petes executive Dr. Bob Neville, who sits on the OHL’s board of governors, said Monday he does not expect the season to start on time meaning a condensed schedule is the best fans can expect.
The uncertainties Neville raised about cross border travel, social distancing of fans and what happens if a player or staff tests positive for COVID-19 highlight the challenges facing the league in deciding whether or not to resume play.
The province may not be far away from Phase 3 of its reopening plan and there is still time for things to further improve but fans should brace themselves for the possibility there will be no junior hockey in 2020-21.
Let’s hope that’s not the case.
Gainey’s Gems
In a followup to a story earlier this month, Peterborough native and
Montreal Canadiens legend Bob Gainey raised more than $300,000 in an auction of memorabilia he accumulated during his Hockey Hall of Fame career.
Gainey put 66 items he and his son Steve collected from his playing career, all spent with the Canadiens, up for bid on classicauctions.net pledging to donate a significant part of the proceeds to the Canadiens Children’s Foundation.
Among the items he auctioned were four of his six Stanley Cup rings, miniature Stanley Cup and Selke trophies, game-worn jerseys and other items. The auction site called it one of their most successful auctions to date.
Gainey’s 1978 Stanley Cup ring fetched the biggest bid of $30,645 followed by his miniature 1978 Stanley Cup for $15,255 and the sweater he wore as captain in his final season with Montreal in 198889 which raised $6,750.
It was not his entire collection. Gainey saved a few trinkets to pass along to family and donated numerous items to the Hockey Hall of Fame and Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame.
Crowley’s Return
Expect an announcement in the next week or two on Cody Crowley’s next professional boxing match.
Crowley posted on social media he’s back in training camp preparing for his next bout and to expect news soon.
His manager Steve Nelson said a contract has been signed but they are obligated to keep the details quiet until Premier Boxing Champions announce the details.
It will be Crowley’s first fight under the PBC banner as he puts his 19-0 welterweight record on the line. Expect the fight to be in the U.S. on a televised show with no spectators.