COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, a significant impact on our return to hockey this season. It has forced us to think differently about the way we operate and has required changes to the traditional model of programming that has been offered in the past.
This is an unprecedented time which makes predicting the future incredibly difficult. While there is much rumor, speculation and suggested dates as to when regular hockey will resume, there is no firm date in place, nor do we know exactly what it will look like - whether it is a full return to STEP League play, some form of graduated pod-type play or something else. All this uncertainty makes it impossible to have a concrete plan moving forward. We need to have the flexibility to transition our program as things evolve during the season.
With all this in mind, the current plan for the U18 program is this:
Based upon current registrations, we will have two (2) U18 teams this season.
Coaches from both teams will be present during the skates from October 2-6 to observe and evaluate players to assist in the team selection process, which will be in the form of a ladder draft after the last skate on October 6. The intention is to have teams selected and in place before the Thanksgiving weekend so that we can move away from preconditioning skates to team practices and an in-house mini league thereafter.
We have had 12 pre-conditioning skates to date. Attendance so far has been varied - from good to next to none.
If coaches cannot evaluate the participants, teams cannot be selected and we will not be able to move on past preconditioning and practicing.
Group 1
Friday October 2, 2020 -- 7:45 pm - 8:45 pm Civic Centre
Saturday October 3, 2020 -- 8:45 pm - 10:00 pm Battleford Arena
Tuesday October 6, 2020 -- 8:30 pm - 9:45 pm Civic Centre
Group 2
Friday October 2, 2020 -- 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm Civic Centre
Sunday October 4, 2020 - 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm Civic Centre
Tuesday October 6, 2020 -- 9:00 pm - 10:15 pm Battleford Arena
Once the two teams are formed and we have moved into team practices, the coaches will divide their teams into two mini-teams (ie: Team 1a, Team 1b; Team 2a, Team 2b) each consisting of 9-10 players, 1 goalie and a coach.
This will allow us to form a 3 on 3 mini-league schedule which will incorporate gameplay and competition as much as is permitted under current restrictions.
Aside from the breakout mini-league the two original teams will practice together as a team and when a more fulsome return is permitted, whether it is STEP League, some modified pod-type or regional league, or whatever, we will already have the structure and teams in place, who have been practicing together, to be able to transition easily and quickly.