Slowly...but surely, life is returning to normal in the hockey world.
Then again, an Aug. 1 start to the Stanley Cup playoffs would hardly be considered normal.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had its impact on everything, including hockey.
Once the NHL playoffs have been completed, both the National Hockey League and British Columbia Hockey League plan to begin the 2020-21 season Dec. 1.
The Kootenay International Junior Hockey league is adamant it will begin play sooner. Much sooner.
“We have a tentative regular season start date of Friday, Oct. 2, and our goal is to be playing hockey then,” confirmed KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois Tuesday afternoon. “We're feeling positive and optimistic about there being a season, but there are still a number of hurdles we need to clear before getting to the point where we have any guarantees.
“First and foremost, we're committed to ensuring the health and safety of everybody involved in our league while following the guidelines set out by the province and Hockey Canada. We'll make an announcement as soon as we know more.”
Dubois says league officials have discussed many options. At this point, they don’t want to be pinned down on a drop-dead date to play, or cancel, the season.
“Not at this point. We're staying patient and flexible, and hoping that we can get going on time. If we can't we'll have a backup plan ready to go,” added Dubois. “Our focus right now is making sure our teams are familiar with our league's Return to Play protocols so that they can get back on the ice in a way that's safe and responsible for the type of on-ice activities that are being allowed now.”
While the KIJHL is planning on a 2020-21 season, it remains to be seen if all 20 teams, including Okanagan/Similkameen-based teams in Osoyoos, Summerland, Princeton, Kelowna and North Okanagan (Armstrong), will be able to ice teams given the financial concerns.
“We hope that's the case, but COVID-19 has brought about a lot of financial pressures and operating challenges,” admitted Dubois. ”We'll have a better idea once we have more information regarding when games can be played and whether spectators will be allowed, and in what kind of numbers.”
A slow start to marketing and ticket sales is expected to hamper some teams. And there’s also the strain on recruiting talent, with coaches and general managers not knowing if there will be a season.
“In a typical spring and summer, teams would be holding evaluation camps to build their rosters for the upcoming season and taking care of their sponsorship and season ticket renewals. That's been very difficult due to COVID-19, and it's put a lot of our teams in a tough position financially,” said Dubois. “And the longer things go on without some clarity regarding when we'll be able to play again, those difficulties magnify.
“I give our teams a lot of credit for working so hard to prepare in an environment where there's a lot of uncertainty.”
Other Junior B leagues in British Columbia are planning to play the season.
The Pacific Junior Hockey League, consisting of Lower Mainland teams, has announced it will begin the 2020-21 season Sept. 29.
The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League has four scenarios listed on its website for start dates, including Sept. 7 (48 games), Oct. 12 or Nov. 16 (40 games), and Dec. 14 (32 games).
For KIJHL updates, click here.
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