A sign at Dayz Off advertises NHL playoffs, which begin this weekend. (Photo Courtesy of Colton McKee)

By Chantal Wagner

Back to back games

Local pubs and fans excited for the return of sports

Jul 31, 2020 | 9:31 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A full slate of sports will be on the ice, field and the court this weekend.

NHL exhibition action wrapped up yesterday and the qualifying round begins tomorrow.

The Jays also play a doubleheader on Saturday, and the Raptors are in action.

It all has a different look though, with stadiums locked down to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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Hockey fans got a taste of the Battle of Alberta this week but with an empty arena and no one in the stands.

After months of no sports, the schedule on Saturday is a packed one; featuring back to back games.

Owner of Dayz Off Pub Craig Van Maarion says they’re ready to serve cold drinks and hear the cheer of the crowd while watching the big screen.

“We’re very excited to be hosting sports again it’s been a long drought, everybody is very excited to see hockey come back as well as baseball. We’ve had lots of baseball enthusiasm. And even basketball we’ve had lots of enthusiasm for the Raptors.”

With sports back in full swing, Van Maarion expects a good crowd this long weekend.

“It will definitely help with business, yes everything helps. We’re a sports bar is what we are and there are other sports bars around town so it will help everybody out.”

Over at The Silver Buckle, owner Devon Potvin says the stadium section won’t be as full like regular times due to COVID-19 health rules and physical distancing.

But there’s still lots of room for fans to cheer on their team.

“And I think it’s a fun thing for people to have back. Every little bit is positive for everybody right now. And if you can’t go to games and watch it in person then you can do so safely here,” Potvin said.

Watching sports is also something else to do this summer, with events and activities cancelled due to the pandemic.

“Just a lot of positive energy and excitement growing with people talking about hockey coming back, talking about matchups, hockey drafts are happening. There’s definitely some buzz and it is exciting,” Potvin added.

It’s a different twist to watch sports in the summer, let alone with empty stadiums.

But Van Maarion says the home team brings in a good crowd at the local pub, “Always the Canadian teams will be good. Everybody is cheering for the Canadian teams of course Edmonton and Calgary are big draws for us.”