Although there is still a lot of uncertainty out there, I really think this spring season is whatever we want to make it. We have had a few coaches, and families reach out with interest in playing, and what we have said at this point is we will support whatever coaches and families want to do.
I have reached out to CANLAN and Draft Day hockey which are the 2 biggest tournament organizations that our teams usually participate in and they plan to run full 5 on 5 tournaments. The unknown at this point is spectator capacity. If teams want to play in those tournaments I will register you for those tournaments.
Another option that was brought up by one of our coaches as an idea, is more local mini tournaments. With spring teams in Kincardine - Bruce County Kings, Collingwood - Blue Thunder, New Hamburg - 5 Hole Hockey, potential of a Huron County spring organization and ourselves we could have 3 or 4 weekends of hockey and just keep it among these rural centres. If skills and development is all you want we have coaches that will support that as well. There will be some ice availability in Listowel until the end of April, after that it will be Stratford, or anywhere else we can find ice.
I don't think we will have the typical kick-off weekend, just to avoid having everyone in the same rink in early April. I would just schedule practices and meet families at one of the practice sessions to go over registration, jerseys, tournaments and swag. I hope by May everyone is COVID green and whatever tournament options we choose can proceed.
I know there are a lot of kids out there that just want to play some meaningful games and we will support any way we can. If you are interested and haven't reached out already contact me at
[email protected] or 226-622-9105.
Thanks,
Greg