Sports organizations have responded to Wednesday’s announcement by the Government of Saskatchewan that games for team sports will be suspended, starting Friday and continuing until at least Dec. 17.
With most leagues and organizations wrapping up the pre-Christmas portion of their schedules prior to Dec. 17, it means they won’t resume play until 2021.
Arenas will be capped at having 30 people at once.
Athletes and dancers 18 years of age and under may continue practising, conditioning and skills training in groups of eight or fewer, abiding by the required mask use and at least three metres of physical distancing between participants at all times.
The Estevan Bruins said in a news release that more details will be announced in the upcoming weeks regarding a new start date after Jan. 1, and what the schedule for the remainder of the 2020-21 SJHL season will look like.
The Bruins will have no hockey activities of any kind until after the Christmas break.
In a further post on their Facebook page, the Bruins lamented the suspension of the season.
“We followed the rules, took extra precautions, and created a safe environment for our players and fans to enjoy hockey...but it still wasn’t enough. Hard to understand.
“To all our supporters, thank you for sticking with us. We hope to see you in January.”
The Bruins had a 4-1-1 record to start the season.
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League said once the league receives direction from the Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Health as to when they can commence play, an announcement will be made.
The Estevan Minor Hockey Association said on social media that due to the announcement, the EMHA board of directors would be meeting Thursday evening.
“Your director will be in contact with you within the next few days,” a Facebook post said.
The Saskatchewan Hockey Association said over the next two days practices cannot be transferred into a game, as these will not be sanctioned by the SHA and there will be no insurance coverage. Disciplinary action will be taken against those groups who do not have games scheduled prior to Wednesday, but go ahead and play the next two days.
The Estevan Curling Club noted that its open league will happen Thursday night, but its youth clinic scheduled for this weekend has been postponed.
CurlSask said all games, practices and competitions were cancelled, but they were waiting for clarification on whether those under the age of 18 could still practice.
The Estevan Extreme Volleyball Club thanked people for their patience, and said it is waiting to hear from SaskVolleyball before they make any decisions.
The camps scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will go forward. They have contingency plans in place for the other camps and programs.
