It’s been just over a year since the 2020 SJHL playoffs were cancelled due to the pandemic and now the 2020-21 SJHL season has been shelved, too.
The league made the announcement this week, saying a return to play proposal was rejected by the province.
“Kind of like Groundhog Day, nothing has changed,” said La Ronge Ice Wolves Head Coach and GM Kevin Kaminski. “It’s disappointing, it’s frustrating and basically it sucks – for the players, for the coaching staff, for the organizations, for the communities. There’s a lot that goes into it and that’s all I can say – it really sucks for everyone.”
The La Ronge Ice Wolves had a 4-1 record this season before things came to a screeching halt in November after stronger COVID-19 measures were implemented by the province.
Kaminski says the players are dejected with the news that the season has come to an end.
“This is what they live for,” said Kaminski. “To go along, I guess string us along – I don’t know why they didn’t have an answer for us before the trade deadline, where you could trade some of these kids to leagues that are playing. They’ve probably rejected job offers and some schooling stuff – and everything else just because they are waiting to play hockey.”
The SJHL says it will now shift its focus to returning to the ice in September and playing a full season.
(PHOTO: The Ice Wolves in a game this season versus the Nipawin Hawks. Photo courtesy of Brandon White.)