Maine, has been relatively quiet compared to the rest of the United States and the COVID-19 pandemic. As quiet as it has been, it was the first to temporarily cause a stop to a junior hockey season this year.
The Twin City Thunder have managed to implement their COVID-19 management plan and isolate players after having some test positive for the virus.
Before the season even gets started we already have our first stoppage. Temporary yes, and the Thunder management plan has worked.
Now the question is, how may other stoppages will there be? How many more cancellations and rescheduling will there be?
How does anyone manage what is clearly an unmanageable situation?
The only reason the NHL played safely is because they were in a bubble. Junior hockey is not going to play in a bubble. There will be more infections, and more stops and restarts.
While COVID-19 is certainly not a simple Flu, it can certainly go through a team like the Flu does usually every year with teams. The flu usually runs its course in a week to ten days.
Unlike the flu though, COVID is more contagious. COVID is easily transmitted between close contact. It will be a problem this year.
The Thunder escaped with little more than some time off, and some rescheduling. Thankfully everyone is on the mend and will be back playing soon. Lets hope we have the same ending for the next teams that suffer this fate.
Joseph Kolodziej – Adviser
