Well...it has been 11 months since we had to shut down due to the pandemic and we are now trying to get things rolling again for 2021-22. It takes time to do that and it will take more time yet.
As far as League business for this upcoming year, we have been notified by the Raymore Rockets that they will be taking a one year leave of absence. We have also been contacted by the Cupar Canucks that it is their intention to do more planning and fundraising in hopes of rejoining our league for the 2022-23 season.
That leaves us with four teams. I am sure most of you understand the present government mandates regarding Covid and you may also know the Hockey Saskatchewan rules in regards to this. For senior hockey and all players 18 years and older you must have all players, coaches, officials (ice and box) vacinated in order to play without masks. If this can't be achieved then you must have the entire league play the game with a mask. As a league we must declare our vaccinated status to Hockey Saskatchewan along with proof that each team has full vaccination. We also learned that we cannot continue our interlocking play with the QVHL if we are seperate leagues. As such we have decided to apply as a joined league for the 2021-22 season so we can continue our relationship with the QVHL.
Through my discussions with the President of the QVHL we are of the opinion that the last thing we want to have happen is the start and then stop of the hockey season last fall. It is our intention to make sure that we have all of the information required from each team, that we have the information from each rink as to their rules and we also will wait and see if the government changes their current Covid mandate which may or may not happen.
At this point if our "vaccinated league" is approved by Hockey Saskatchewan we plan to hold a scheduling meeting late in October or early November. With an anticipated schedule of 16 games it is not imperative we start mid November as we usually do. It is more important that we are safe on the ice and in the stands and that everyone can participate and enjoy senior hockey safely.
I will continue to update as we move along.
Gerry Tomkins
President - Highway Hockey League
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