COVID-19 is still creating some issues for minor hockey in the province, but Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador is staying cautiously optimistic that provincial tournaments will be able to go ahead.

Minor Council Chair with Hockey NL, Gonzo Bennett says they pulled the plug on provincial “Easter” tournaments back in early February while Omicron was spreading feverishly across the province. Just a few days later, it was announced that all COVID-19 restrictions should be lifted as of March 14, meaning the tournaments could go ahead.

Bennett says COVID-19 and isolation requirements has led to fewer volunteers around the rink for minor hockey teams and associations, which is creating some challenges.

He says some volunteers are no longer willing to take the risk of going back on the ice with COVID-19 still active in many communities, but, he praises the Minor Hockey Association’s for their work in recruiting new volunteers, and keeping everyone as safe as possible.

Bennett says they have their fingers crossed, hoping that provincial tournaments can go ahead, safely, for the first time since 2019.