The Lakehead Junior Hockey League is planning on a return to a full 2021-2022 season.
In a conversation with Acadia News, President Josh Gribben said the four teams are aiming to open training camps in the middle of September.
“Obviously with the province moving to Step 3, that gave us the confidence to push forward,” added Gribben. “With that said, we are targeting October just given the current optics of things that’s probably a realistic start.”
Ontario moved into Step 3 of the Roadmap To Reopen on July 16, which means indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities can open subject to 50 per cent capacity and no more than 1,000 spectators.
The Junior ‘B’ Hockey League had to pull the plug on the shortened 2020-2021 campaign back on February 22nd as the Thunder Bay District Health Unit was stuck in the Red Control designation in the former COVID-19 response framework.
Gribben noted there are plans to re-introduce the All-Star event and Prospects Game.
“We play shorter games, three on three, and showcase that talent that we have because we do have a lot of quality players that are deserving to show their skill set,” mentions Gribben. “In terms of our prospects event, we send out invites to Midget ‘A’ and ‘AA’ players, if they respond to us that they’re interested in playing, we make sure that they get on one of the two teams. Our coaching staffs from all of our teams come together and create two new staffs for the game.”
The league features a pair of Thunder Bay squads (Bandits, Northern Hawks) that play out of the Tournament Centre as well the Schreiber Falcons and Nipigon Elks.
For more information on the league click here.
