By Chad Klassen

KIJHL SEASON

Storm players likely to pay $10,000 to play this season without fans amid COVID-19

Aug 4, 2020 | 9:47 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Storm part-owner and GM Matt Kolle is confident there will be a season.

He says everything is ready on their end. It’s just a matter of receiving the green light from the provincial government. He feels there’s been progress with hockey on the verge of Phase 3, which involves contact during drills and practice.

“To learn that we’re on the cusp of entering Phase 3 and we’re just at the start of August, to me it lays out nice for an Oct. 2 start. It supports an Oct. 2 start.”

Oct. 2 is the target date for the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) to drop the puck.

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During a Zoom call last week involving commissioner Jeff Dubois and the KIJHL’s 20 teams, there was concern about revenue and whether it’s financially viable to play this year. With most of the revenue streams dried up, it’s clear to Kolle teams will have to increase player fees.

“The Kamloops Storm model has been unfortunately players are going to have to pay to play and they’re going to have to foot the bill for the season,” he said. “I wish it was different, but that’s where we’re at and that’s reality.”

Kolle says each player will have to fork up $10,000 to be a Storm this season. He feels players and their families won’t be hestitant to pay that fee.

“From what I see and from what I’ve been involved with this summer, players are eager to get out there and play,” noted Kolle. “The families, they understand the situation that COVID has left us all in, and it’s one of those things that the fact they understand there’s more willingness to pay those fees. I don’t think people are quiting hockey because of the current situation.”

Kolle says it’s back to a Major Midget or minor hockey model this year, partly because of a drop in sponsorship and the uncertainty about fans being allowed at McArthur Island if and when the season starts. Like other leagues, the KIJHL is waiting for word back from the provincial health office.

“It certainly can work,” said Kolle, noting the season can go ahead without fans. “I’m 100 per cent sure that if we went to a model much like Major Midget or minor hockey groups, that’s how it currently exists. So we’re just reverting to a model that already exists within minor hockey. They’re not based off revenue generated through sponsorship, fans and that type of thing. So it’s not like we’re reinventing the wheel.”

Each Kootenay League team will have to see if the model works for them. If it can, and COVID-19 doesn’t get in the way, the season may very well start Oct. 2.