Yesterday USA Hockey cancelled all remaining USA Hockey player development camps scheduled for this off season. These camps are a key part of the player development system for USA Hockey and their cancellation is noteworthy, though expected.
Yesterday the Hockey Canada Registry for players opened and teams were allowed to officially begin signing players for the 2020-2021 season. How many Americans were reportedly signed according to the transactions on Elite Prospects?
ZERO
Also in Canada yesterday, the BCHL publicly acknowledged that several season start dates and scenarios are in play for the BCHL. They also stated they fully intend to play in 2020-2021, within the standards set forth by the Provincial Health Ministry and the National Health Ministry.
The BCHL is still seeking financial assistance from Provincial and Federal agencies in order to proceed forward.
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League has been a little more forthcoming with information regarding how things look for next season.
The SJHL plans include permitting fans in attendance this fall. However, there will likely be a 50 per cent capacity rate allowed at games to help provide the adequate spacing required to properly adhere to socially distancing standards.
The SJHL has also said other changes will likely make the game considerably different than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
While news continues to trickle out of Canadian leagues, the CJHL and Hockey Canada have yet to make any serious announcements regarding how things will look when a return to play is announced.
Meanwhile players are left in the dark, trying to train for a season that begins at a time no one knows, with rules no one knows, and financial conditions no one knows.
When hockey officials are not talking, the only people you can listen to are government officials. This is actually how it should be. Coaches don’t know what’s going on, and league officials are only going to do what they are allowed.
Keeping that in mind, how confident are you in your plan for 2020-2021?
Joseph Kolodziej – Adviser
