Zajac expects delay to start of new NIHL National season
LEEDS CHIEFS player-coach Sam Zajac remains hopeful his team will return to the ice sooner rather than later – but acknowledges the sport has many hurdles to overcome before that happens.
The 2019-20 season was brought to an unexpected conclusion in early March because of the coronavirus pandemic and although Telford Tigers were clear enough on points to be crowned the inaugural NIHL National champions, there was to be no playoff campaign.
The Chiefs finished bottom of the regular season standings in their debut campaign, with Zajac spending the past few weeks putting together what he believes will be a more competitive roster next time around.
Just when the puck drops on the 2020-21 campaign, however, is the big question with the government’s current social distancing rules in place not conducive to either playing or watching the sport.
Everything essentially hinges on changes in that social distancing strategy, with hockey bosses understandably keen to wait for such a shift before committing to when next season can start and how it will possibly work.
Earlier this week, Planet Ice, owners of both the Chiefs and their Elland Road rink, said they were working towards a provisional re-opening date for its rinks of July 6, although that would be determined by the latest government advice.
It also stated that it was “not expecting the resumption of league hockey to begin this year. However, this will be reviewed in line with government guidance and engagement with the relevant ice hockey leagues.”
Some fans, even some people working inside the sport, fear next season will be lost completely. As for Zajac, he admits finding it difficult to see any season starting while social distancing measures remain in place.
“All teams can do right now is put those building blocks in place and be as prepared as possible,” said Zajac. “Essentially it is a waiting game for everybody.
“I’m hopeful we can get back to playing before the end of the year but it’s really hard to tell. We’re not in a position like other sports where we can function with empty buildings, we don’t have TV money or anything like that.
“Until we hear any different, we’re planning as if it is going to be September but with a big nod to the fact that the odds are it is going to be later than that.
“The best thing is to wait on the governing body to make the decision because the clubs can’t make that decision. It’s frustrating because, right now, it seems there are a lot of hurdles to get over before we can get back on the ice.”