They're billed as 'skills sessions' and there won't be any scrimmages or games — but the response from hockey families means young players in all age categories of Lac La Biche's minor hockey teams will be on the ice starting this week.
With very tight COVID-19 measures in place, skaters from the U-7 level up to U-18 will be lacing up for two, one-hour long practice sessions starting this week and running through March.
For most local skaters, it's the first time in an organized setting since team sports were restricted by provincial health and hockey officials last November. The month of ice time comes after uncertainty at the beginning of February that started with local hockey organizers to officially cancelling the 2020-21 season, and offering 80 per cent rebates to families. But just days later, provincial health officials made a weekend announcement that some team sports would be allowed to hold limited training and practice sessions. Lac La Biche Minor Hockey Association officials sent our a community survey asking families if they would be would like to see some training sessions offered.
The survey resulted in the month of sessions being offered. A fee of $70 per player was collected by local hockey officials.
"Thank you to all our members for baring with us during these last couple weeks of the constant changing restrictions," said Bonnie McDonald, the president of the Lac la Biche minor Hockey Association in a recent statement to families.
No spectators
While players will be hitting the ice inside the Bold Center, due to continuing restrictions at recreation facilities, there will be no opportunities for families to watch the sessions.
"Hockey Alberta rules state that there can be no spectators in the arena during sessions," says a Q&A flyer sent to hockey parents last week.
Other health and safety measures will see a maximum of nine players and one coach on the ice at a time, sessions will be held in a half-ice surface area and a 3 metre distance between participants is expected at all times. Masks are mandatory for all skaters inside the dressing rooms and inside the Bold Center until helmets are on.
The month-long schedule for all teams is dependant on Alberta Health Services and Hockey Alberta's continued monitoring of the pandemic.
