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Hockey Postponed For The Holidays

Morgan Lunney

Fredericton, NB- This Christmas is looking different for many young hockey players in the Maritimes. The MHL and other local hockey leagues have postponed their seasons while battling with Covid-19 as cases in the province rise. Outbreaks across multiple teams in the league have forced its shut down as of Monday. Even with the widespread of vaccinations and strict protocols, Covid is still affecting hockey throughout the province. All games left in the 2021 season have been canceled effective until January 3rd. 

From a historic 2020-2021 season winning the Eastlink North Division Cup to the risk of no season at all the Fredericton Red Wings and MHL, are left with no answers as to what the rest of the season will look like. 

Fredericton Red Wings home rink, the Grant Harvey Center empty after the announcement of this season’s suspension. (Morgan Lunney/STU Journalism).

One of the Fredericton Red Wings players tested positive late into the season which has contributed to the decision to stop all games and practices immediately and send their players home for the holidays. The players have mixed feelings about this decision as most are happy to be going home early to see their family and friends, while others are worried their season may not resume as usual come January.   

Logan Carruthers, a starting defenseman for the Wings, has gone home to Nova Scotia until the season resumes. 

“It’s great to be home with my family but obviously my mind is still on hockey. After our successful season last year it would be nice to have another chance to bring home the cup”. 

Teams have been encouraging fans to live stream games and avoid coming in-person to all games this season to limit the risk of wide spreads. Seats in the rink have been blocked off to abide by social distancing and for some games, they keep entire rows empty. This is not usual for these teams who normally bring in hundreds of fans.

The players have still found ways to stay on the ice over the holidays. Under strict Covid protocols enforced by coaching staff and arena attendants, teams may continue to practice intersquad only. While some teams have canceled practices altogether others have modified training to keep all athletes as safe as possible. 

Players taking advantage of free ice time by practicing and working on individual skills to stay prepared for the season’s re-start. (Morgan Lunney/STU Journalism).

“I’ll definitely practice over the break and get on the ice as much as possible”. 

Logan and his teammates are eager to put their jerseys back on and finish off their season. For some junior A players, this is their last season of junior hockey and they want to finish off their youth careers on a high note. 

Unfortunately, the province’s temporary restrictions for other youth sports may cause the loss of many seasons. The government has not yet provided a timeline as to when things will change. Over 8,000 people have signed petitions to try and convince the government to rethink their decision, but no action has been taken since. 

For these competitive athletes, a New Year without hockey is not what they asked for this Christmas. The coaches, parents, communities, and most of all the players are hopeful that games will resume in the following weeks. The Fredericton Red Wings and MHL are wishing for a return to play plan this Christmas.  

 

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