SUDBURY -- The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League has resumed play and are adjusting to new mandatory safety protocols. NOJHL teams have had to make some major changes in the way they play their games.
Commissioner Robert Mazzuca said the biggest thing players have to remember is no body contact.
“That’s a government regulation and were following it and for the last seven weeks, reiterate to the players that there’s no body contact,” said Mazzuca. “There’s going to be incidental contact or accidental contact. But it’s a challenge and a learning process for everybody in the game.”
Officials with the Rayside-Balfour Canadians said the atmosphere has been another big adjustment for everyone on the bench.
“I think it’s a bit bizarre for the players to be able to look across and not see the fans, and hear the fans,” said Blaine Smith, Rayside-Balfour Canadians managing director. “So, we try to make up with music and such but it’s still not the same so we’re hoping in the New Year the rules will relax and we can bring in at least a hundred fans.”
This past weekend, the Blind River Beavers and the Soo Thunderbirds were scheduled to play, but the game had to be moved to another date after three players on the Blind River Beavers were experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19.
“We informed our public health in the region and we began isolating right away,” said Kyle Brick, Blind River Beavers head coach. "Out of care for our community, being overly cautious was probably the best for us. The kids are excited to get back on the ice today and get some normalcy back in their lives."
Mazzuca said after hearing the news, the NOJHL told the entire team to self isolate until the test results were in.
“We have a responsibility to the communities, an obligation to the communities and the players and in that sense of caution that’s the position the league took,” said Mazzuca.
He said since starting back up, it’s been a challenge, but he is pleased teams are able to be back on the ice competing against each other.
