St. Paul Minor Hockey hopes for camps later in re-opening

St. Paul Minor Hockey is still holding out hope for some small camps and practices in the spring according to President Bryce Balmer.

In an e-mail Feb. 4, Balmer said the organization would look at “returning to the ice in a development capacity” if the town is able to maintain the ice in the Clancy Richard Arena and the province permits kids sports in Step 2 of the phased re-opening plan announced Jan. 29.

The Town of St. Paul shut off the ice plant in the CAP Arena in the latter part of January citing the cost of keeping the ice in when it is not being used. The CAP Arena is primarily used by the minor hockey and figure skating clubs.

“Even that wasn’t a done deal. Because of the colder weather as of late, we would have been able to put it back into service had there been better, more timely news of returning to hockey,” said Balmer in a letter to minor hockey members.

Unfortunately, with Hockey Alberta’s announcement on Tuesday afternoon that regular league play is over for the 2020-21 hockey season, St. Paul Minor Hockey has to follow suit “and regrettably terminate our season as well.”

According to Balmer, the club is still tallying their costs to determine what percentage of fees can be refunded or credited.

“We have a large membership, therefore this process will require a bit of time so I ask you to be patient as we figure it out but, as always, if you have questions, please direct them to your division coordinator. More information will be sent out when available,” said Balmer.