BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – An adult recreational hockey league on the lower mainland will begin playing again as BC breaks records for COVID-19 cases.
The Adult Safe Hockey League, which operates in Burnaby, Langley, and the North Shore, has taken about a two-week hiatus, but games are set to start again on Wednesday night.
Andrew Walkerto be a host NEWS 1130The sister station Sportsnet 650 normally plays in the league but will not play this year under the circumstances.
At a time when BC is setting a new case record almost every day, I got the message that our season in the Rec Hockey League is back on Saturday in Burnaby. It’s certainly questionable and confusing timing at best.
– Andrew Walker (@ AndrewWalker650) November 25, 2020
“A few months ago, with the cases as they were, I think it was a reasonable risk that many people must take. I think the situation has changed a bit now, ”he says. “Maybe this is not the best time. Personally, I just want the league to relax a little and wait and not try to reopen these leagues at the most controversial time. “
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A day ago, the province reported a dramatic increase in daily COVID-19 cases, with 941 infections, while the number of patients hospitalized for the virus continued to hit new highs.
Walker notes what health measures the league has taken, including screening, partitions on the bench, and deadlines in the dressing rooms, but he says the COVID-19 situation has changed.
“[The league] is a big money maker. Ultimately, I think if anyone on any of the teams has COVID, it is almost impossible to ignore or avoid an outbreak, even with all safety measures in place. “
He says the decision to keep the league going now appears to be divided among the players.
“Much of it is personal belief. Half of the boys want to play, half of the boys don’t want to play. Then the subject of payments and fees comes up, ”he says.
He adds that hundreds of players in the league find themselves in a moral dilemma after paying hundreds of dollars to join.
Walker is hoping to return to Alberta for Christmas, but believes it is unlikely given the pandemic is affecting both provinces.
Sports in BC can continue under the current COVID-19 restrictions if the provincial health protocols are followed, but teams cannot travel for games or competitions outside of their communities. Spectators are also not allowed.
“The organizers of the league should continue planning for 2021, taking into account today’s changes,” said a press release from the province.
