Head Coach Kevin Kaminski wants games to continue in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Junior Hockey

Ice Wolves head coach unhappy with forced break

Nov 26, 2020 | 1:34 PM

La Ronge Ice Wolves Head Coach Kevin Kaminski believes the provincial government’s pause on sports until Dec. 17 will be a devastating blow for the team and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).

“We’re following the protocols and we’re doing what ever is right and doing our due diligence to make things run smooth,” he said. “It’s very frustrating, its disappointing to the kids, its disappointing for the communities. Hopefully, we can get the numbers going down and in the right direction and after Christmas we move on and move forward.”

The Ice Wolves were originally supposed to play back-to-back games against the Manitoba-based Flin Flon Bombers, but that team announced earlier this week they would be taking a break until after the Christmas holiday. The Bombers tweeted they had been working with health authorities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, however, they had “exhausted all avenues in the process while keeping the health of their players and communities in mind.”

Kaminski explained the Bombers are important to the SJHL and he would like them to resume play when sports are permitted to start again. With Dec. 17 being close to the Christmas break for the SJHL, Kaminski believes it might be better to allow everyone to go home until the New Year instead of playing only a couple games and then breaking again.

“Let’s get these kids home, have an extended Christmas and get them back here as early as we can,” he said.

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With coronavirus cases rising across the province, the Ice Wolves home opener earlier this month was already flagged as a potential exposure location. Those who were there during the game, which was sold out at 150 fans, were advised to monitor for symptoms and close contacts were traced.

Kaminki called the announcement Wednesday frustrating, as well as disappointing to children and Saskatchewan communities. He thinks the sport can be played safely during the pandemic and should continue.

“We need to live, we can’t be scared, we need to move forward,” Kaminski said. “I think hockey has been following the protocols that have been put forth to us. I think the game should still be played.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno