Saturday was Hockey Day in Canada.
It was intended to be a time when Canadians celebrate the great game of hockey at all levels; however, participation fell well short of what might have been expected.
We’ve learned over the last two years that covid makes all things tentative and subject to change.
As a result, many of the festivals and planned activities did not come to fruition. Too bad, but it’s still a great game.
Last week’s Public Health announcements extended existing restrictions to February 14th. Also stated was a path to relaxing restrictions leading to that date.
Right now, gathering limits restrict participation to ten. Clearly, not the best way to run a practice but teams make the best of it.
The announcements last week suggested gathering numbers in the Arts, Culture and Sports may be adjusted, if conditions warrant, on February 7th.
For the sports community, this means teams could practice with all team members. This would be a giant step toward a return to play.
The MHL has been busy behind the scenes putting together its plan to bring competition back to the rinks.
The MHL declared last month the 52-game schedule would be reduced to 42. That schedule was released Sunday. Check the MHL or Bearcat websites for that schedule.
As it stands right now, games can be played in New Brunswick beginning February 3rd. Nova Scotian teams can travel to that province to play.
Games in Nova Scotia cannot be played at least until February 14th. Scheduled games in Nova Scotia are postponed to that date but will be rescheduled.
The schedule covers February and March. The MHL should be congratulated for their efforts to keep hockey alive in these parts.
This is all good news but it all depends on the downward trend displayed over the last number of weeks.
The MHL will continue discussions with Public Health officials in all three provinces. Stay tuned.
Truro’s first scheduled home date after February 14th is February 25th when the Edmundston Blizzard come to town.