While minor hockey seasons are back, it is looking a lot different for the players and coaching staff. The kids are excited to be on the ice and so are the coaches but they do have a lot to worry about: developing skills while social distancing.

Langley Lightening midget coach Bianca Ballarin says,

(@langleylighteninggirlsicehockey / Instagram)

“You have to be mindful that if you need to correct something with one of the girls and you are going to break that six feet social distance, you do have to put on a mask and you have to ensure their safety and your safety”

The players might not get to play games this season either and it might just be a development season. Although focusing on skills is important, there is nothing players want more than to play against other teams. As for some players, they are in their last year of minor hockey and will not have games to play. There is a small hope that games may happen in the future this season.

Coach Ballarin says, “they may not get to play these games, it may just be all practice times. If things do get better, the association will look into starting games within maybe four teams and you’re constantly playing the same four teams over and over instead of playing twelve teams in a regular season.”

With hopes that BC’s COVID-19 numbers drop, it may allow for hockey and other sporting games to happen.