The Northern Lights Palace ice might be a bit emptier than usual as Melfort Minor Hockey works to allow teams to practice under new guidelines. (Submitted photo/Jaret Schneider)

By Mat Barrett

Hockey and COVID-19

‘Big shock for them’: Melfort Minor Hockey reacts to latest public health measures

Nov 28, 2020 | 8:00 AM

A Melfort Minor Hockey coach says he is understanding of the latest public health measures in Saskatchewan, but recognizes the toll it’s taking on his players.

Earlier this week the Government of Saskatchewan suspended team sports and activities until at least Dec. 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joe Eggerman, head coach of the U11 Colts in Melfort told northeastNOW in the winters, these kids live and breathe hockey, so it’s difficult to see it taken away from them right now.

“Kids love the team, they love hockey, that’s what they live for,” he said. “And when it was taken away, it was definitely a big shock for them.”

A number of restrictions were put in place to begin the season, such as masking, and adjusting schedules to limit the spread of COVID-19. Eggerman said his team was doing really well and the season was off to a great start, but they had only played two games up to this point in the season. He said the messaging from he and his fellow coaches is one of a long term outlook.

MFD recruiting

Melfort Fire Department holding recruitment drive

6h ago

BUSTED

RCMP seize 50 kg of cocaine during traffic stop near Maidstone

10h ago

Nasty weather continues

Snowfall to continue through Tuesday across northeast Sask.

11h ago

“We’re doing this now, so that way we can get this under control,” Eggerman said. “So we can hopefully play again in the new year and get back to games and some sort of normality for them.”

Eggermans team had one last practice on Thursday, Nov. 26 before restrictions came into effect on Friday. He said they tried to keep it as fun as possible.

“After practice you could tell that they were sad that it was going away,” he said.

The new restrictions from the government do permit those under the age of 18 to be able to practice, but only in groups of eight, and with a distance of three metres apart, and mask use for all participants.

Eggerman said he hopes they can get some sort of ice time for their players, saying they need the exercise and activities like hockey.

Melfort Minor Hockey told northeastNOW they are working to try and determine a path forward within the guidelines to be allowed to train.