Image credit: Blazers and Storm

By Earl Seitz

COVID restrictions

Local junior hockey teams “relieved” by latest PHO change of restrictions

Dec 29, 2020 | 3:42 PM

KAMLOOP — The provincial health office has changed some of the rules on COVID-19 safety precautions and how it relates to junior hockey in B.C.

Players 21-and-under can now practice under COVID safety protocols.

“A feeling of relief and maybe a sense of optimism.” says Kamloops Storm owner and general manager Matt Kolle.

The last time the Storm played a game was November 15.

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With the change announced yesterday by the provincial health office, the Storm plan to have all of their players back in Kamloops tomorrow.

“Noting that the majority of our players — 18 are from Kamloops — so it’s not a long trip for a lot of them” says Matt Kolle.

Local and out of town players have been self isolating at home.

It’s hoped to have them together as a group after the 6th of January. As far as a resumption of the season, it won’t be until after January 8th, when the provincial health office is scheduled to again update the protocols relating to sport and games.

The last time the Blazers were on the ice together as a full team was last March 10 in Spokane.

The change announced yesterday means the older players can now join the rest of the team in practice and workouts — but the time frame for that will be a league decision.

Blazers GM Matt Bardsley says it’s crucial to have the 19 and 20 year old leadership there whenever it is.

“You know they have a big influence on our younger guys.” says Bardsley. “Certainly with the new protocols that are going to be in place, we’re going to expect them to set the example for the young players. Being there for them, understanding just what the young guys go through, because the veteran players they were the young guys at one point too, so they understand what they’re going through.”

While the Western League is faced with protocols in six different provinces and states, the B.C. Hockey League in this province is in much the same position as the Kootenay League.

The relaxation of rules relating to 19 and 20 year olds came as a relief, and provided optimism for resumption of a season after January 8.

“January 8th is a big day for us, because that’s when a decision will be made on whether restrictions (still) in place would allow us to play.” says BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb. “If they don’t get lifted — and we understand if the PHO (provincial health office) sees that as not the right time, then we will live with it and we’ll move on with them to the right time — and what we’re hoping is that that right time comes in time for us to save a season.”