The Battlefords North Stars are a staple of the local community, and remain hopeful to be able to take the ice again this fall, following an extended offseason due to the ongoing pandemic. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Hockey season delayed

SJHL postpone target start date, remain optimistic for season

Aug 12, 2020 | 4:23 PM

Hockey fans in the Battlefords, like many across the province, have been counting down the days to when their local junior team will return to the ice. However, it now appears they will need to hold on at least a little while longer than they previously hoped.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) announced recently a slight change of plans for the fall season.

As previously reported, league managers from all 12 associated teams met at the end of July to hash out a tentative schedule for the season, with the goal of a Sept. 25 start.

However, those managers received an email this week stating that, due to ongoing uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, even the best case scenario will now see the start date pushed back a couple of weeks.

The hope is now for an Oct. 9 start to the season.

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Head coach and general manager of the North Stars, Brayden Klimosko said while the team, like the fans, are chomping at the bit to see hockey return, the health and safety of all remains the most important thing.

“We have to stay positive through this time, and understand everyone wants hockey, but it has to be determined safe to do so from Sask. Health for both the players and fans to do so,” Klimosko said.

The ice was put back in the Civic Centre rink this week, in preparation for the first of two North Stars’ youth hockey camps this month. The camps will take place Aug. 17 to 21 and 24 to 28.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1