Health order delays start of season for Spruce Kings

The province’s latest health order to temporarily suspend all team sports activity for adult players has gutted the Prince George Spruce Kings practice roster.

Twelve of the 25 players on the team are 19 or older and are classed as adults, which means they are not allowed to participate in any team practices or training sessions. Forty-eight per cent of the league is currently made up of players 19 or older, which means nearly half of the BCHL’s players are currently ineligible to practice with their team under the order announced on Monday by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

As a result, the B.C. Hockey League has decided to put its season on pause for the next five weeks.

Youth athletes under age 19 are allowed to continue practicing and training but are prohibited from engaging in any games or scrimmages.

The Spruce Kings on the prohibited list include 19-year-old goalie Aaron Trotter; defencemen Cole Moberg, 20, Mason Waite, 20, and Zach Gabruch; and forwards Corey Cunningham, 19, Connor Bowie, 19, Roman Millar, 19, Hunor Torzsok, 20, Darwin Lakoduk, 20, Kolton Cousins, 19, Christian Buono, 20, and Andrew Seaman, 20.

The BCHL has adhered to all travel restrictions imposed by the PHO and none of its players are traveling anywhere outside of their home arena. Despite that, the PHO has restricted 19 and 20-year-old players from practicing with their teams.

“While the current restrictions only directly affect athletes age 19 and up, there are unintended consequences for our younger players as well,” said BCHL executive director Steven Cocker.

“Although they are still allowed on the ice, the fact remains that half of their teammates are not, which essentially means their teams and the league are forced to pause operations until restrictions are lifted.”

If current restrictions are extended beyond midnight on Jan. 8, the league will come together and make a decision on when play can resume.