Hockey season should kick off shortly, with exhibition games eligible to begin as early as this month at various age levels. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Hockey's back

BMHA ‘looking forward to season ahead,’ with Return to Play Guidelines

Oct 9, 2020 | 1:53 PM

The holiday season may still be two months away, but for hockey fans in the Battlefords – and throughout Saskatchewan – last night had to feel a bit like Christmas morning.

The Sask. Hockey Association (SHA) announced their Return to Hockey – Safety Guidelines Thursday evening, signalling the potential for the hockey season to start sooner rather than later.

The document includes with it a chart, highlighting when various age groups, from the minor hockey ranks to junior and senior-aged leagues will be eligible to return to the ice to begin the season this fall.

A look at the timetables for various age groups in the new Return to Play Guidelines package. (Saskatchewan Hockey Association)

Battlefords Minor Hockey

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President of Battlefords Minor Hockey Association (BMHA), Kyle Kellgren, said it was a day they have been waiting for, for some time.

“For us it’s been a long fall here, wondering what was going to happen,” he said. ”COVID has taken a lot of hits on everything, but we’re really excited to have dates now, and know the guidelines that we need to follow, and dates when we can start.”

While it will still be a bit of a different year, with some new adjustments to get used to, Kellgren said at the end of the day it’s just nice to be able to get the kids back on the ice and playing the game they love.

“It’s kind of a light at the end of this tunnel,” he said. “We can get the kids playing hockey again and playing in competition, while also having their parents watch them, which is important.”

After all, perhaps no one knows better than the BMHA President, just how big a role the game of hockey plays in the social fabric of the local community.

“Hockey is a very big part of the Battlefords,” Kellgren said. “Obviously we have everything up from initiation to Junior A and hockey is a big part of everyone around us, so we’re really excited about this year.”

North Stars/SJHL

While the minor hockey schedule is likely to commence soon, the junior hockey season still has its own unique hurtles to clear before the North Stars can kick-start their season.

Reports indicate the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) is still awaiting further specifics from the provincial government, with respect to fan capacity limits and what will be permitted, as the league is dependant on ticket revenue. A target start date for the SJHL schedule is expected to be announced once determined.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1