League play ends for minor hockey season; Bonnyville Minor Hockey to meet

Bonnyville Minor Hockey may look toward spring development opportunities.

Organized minor hockey games have ended this season, Hockey Alberta announced on Tuesday afternoon.

“Hockey Alberta, in conjunction with its Leagues that oversee Tiered, AAA and AA hockey, has concluded regular league play for the remainder of the 2020-21 season,” the statement reads.

“Hockey Alberta is disappointed by the Government’s announcement. Our senior leadership team has been involved in ongoing discussions on what a safe and inclusive relaunch plan could look like for our sport.”

While league play is ruled out, there may be opportunities provided in the Government of Alberta’s stepped approach to easing restrictions for practices and skates in the future.

Bonnyville Minor Hockey will be having executive meetings this week and will discuss those options moving forward, confirmed president Terry Rupp on Tuesday.

“Hockey Alberta continues to focus on working with our Members to explore all options that could comprise a spring development season when Step 2 of the Government of Alberta’s “A Path Forward” (announced on Friday) comes into effect,” the statement reads.

“Hockey Alberta will be working closely with those organizations that have access to facilities and/or have players interested in playing to ensure that those who are interested in playing can have that opportunity, when our sport is allowed back on the ice.”

Transition from one step to another is based on provincial hospitalization numbers. Step 1 starts on February 8 with one-on-one training allowed.

The earliest hockey could return would be March 1, which the government states allows for further easing of indoor fitness and children’s sport and performance.

Hockey Alberta said Junior B, C, and Female and Senior leagues have set Monday, February 8 as their decision day for returning to the ice this season.