If restrictions are in place due to the coronavirus, season ticket holders will be permitted to enter the Mel Hegland Uniplex first. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Pandemic Restrictions

Kaminski hopeful SJHL will play host entire season

Jul 15, 2020 | 3:49 PM

La Ronge Ice Wolves Head Coach Kevin Kaminski is hopeful the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s (SJHL) regular season will begin Sept. 25.

“I hope it’s a go for the SJHL, the fans and the players,” he said. “It’s been a long haul here this whole summer and it’s been tough on everybody. It will be nice to get out and watch some sports.”

The original start date for the season was Sept. 11, before playoffs were abruptly cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The league is now waiting on approval from the provincial government, as well as the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), to begin two weeks later than planned.

A return to play proposal was sent to the SHA back in June and it mentioned all procedures that would need to be in place for the 2020/2021 season, as well as permission for 50 per cent seating capacity at their rinks. Kaminski noted the Ice Wolves would be able to manage financially with the 50 per cent requirement in place as attendance was low in other years.

“If we can get 600 [fans] at every game to start with, then 75 per cent the next month and 100 per cent after that, I think we’ll be fine and be able to survive,” he said.

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Management has already begun selling season tickets for seats at the Mel Hegland Uniplex. If seating is restricted due to coronavirus restrictions, season ticket holders will be allowed to enter the facility first.

Kaminski mentioned there are about 12 players from last season who will be returning with an additional eight who have committed. He also still expects to hold a camp before the season, but he’s unsure if potential players from the United States will be able to attend.

“We have a lot of other guys that are coming to camp who have a very good chance of making the team,” Kaminski said. “We should have a good camp and a lot of players to choose from.”

The annual SJHL Showcase, which is attended by college scouts and traditionally occurs in Warman, has also been postponed. Kaminki added it’s important for the league to play a whole season and that playoffs might be a better time for the scouting to happen.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

by Derek Cornet

Kaminski hopeful SJHL will play host entire season

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