‘You’re going to have to adapt:’ Sask. Hockey working on complex return to play

The Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA) is working to get the nation’s game back onto the ice.

On March 12, Hockey Canada announced that it cancelled all activities related to the sport, including games, tournaments and provincials, due to the growing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just over two months later, Hockey Canada said it was working towards a ‘multifaceted return-to-hockey plan.’ That plan turned into each provincial association dictating its return to the sport, according to SHA general manager Kelly McClintock.

“Seeing how the situation was unfolding across the country, (Hockey Canada members) were saying, ‘There’s no way we could all come back at the same time.’ (It’s) going to have to be dependent on each provincial government and provincial health authority,” McClintock told 650 CKOM on Tuesday.

“It’s up to Saskatchewan Hockey whether we have hockey in the province.”

McClintock says the SHA’s return-to-play model is being heavily worked on with the province’s other SHA, the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Along with the province, McClintock says Sask. Hockey is also working with the COVID-19 business response team to get back to action.

“They’re the ones that ultimately are going to approve anything. There’s no point in us making a lot of guidelines right now. Between now and Aug. 15, there can be some tremendous changes,” McClintock said.

“I’m hoping that we can start playing games by Thanksgiving. If we can do that, I think we’re in a really good scenario.”

When the return to the rink does happen, McClintock reiterated it would be a gradual approach. The biggest changes that some may find, however, fall with those housing the games.

“You’re going to have to take a lot more precautions when you get into an arena,” McClintock said. “Right now, you’re not seeing spectators in the stands. You’re seeing a lot more cleaning for facilities.”

As of Monday, indoor arenas were given the go-ahead to reopen. McClintock says up to 30 people are allowed in each arena currently.

As we move closer to that fall start envisioned by the SHA, McClintock says there’s a ton of work to be done from the municipalities within Saskatchewan.

“Are they prepared? With maybe the extra cleaning requirements, what (does that mean)? More expense for the cleaning process? Maybe, more expense for volunteers and staff to be cleaning,” he said.

McClintock was unsure if concessions would be able to reopen, but said many rinks would feel the pinch in paying bills if they were unable to get the green light.

“We’re trying to keep our associations updated,” he said. “It’s just like everything else that we’re dealing with. You’re going to have to adapt whether you like it or not.”

There is still a lot to be decided when it comes to returning to the game, McClintock says his organization is working on different options for associations. Whether that’s playing mini-games in a geographical bubble or starting off the season 4-on-4, a working group through Hockey Canada will decide that side of returning to play, according to McClintock.

The number of players who will return to hockey in the fall is still another question, with health concerns top of mind through the COVID-19 pandemic.

From what associations are telling McClintock, things don’t look as bad as one may think.

“Our members are really, really optimistic that they don’t see a drop at all, just based on the feedback that they’re getting,” he said. “They feel that parents and kids are excited to get back.

“I think people are in that (mindset), ‘We just want to play hockey.’”

If a second wave does end up hitting Canada, McClintock says all 13 branches of Hockey Canada would work together as one to find the next solutions to handling the pandemic.

“Things can change so rapidly — positively or negatively,” he said.

McClintock mentioned that tournaments along with out-of-province games may be a stretch, at least for the beginning of the return-to-play process.

From the feedback the SHA’s getting, though, McClintock says it’s all about getting back on the ice for Saskatchewan’s athletes.

“If they can play within their area, they’ll be happy,” he said.