Medicine Hat hockey community reflecting on loss of 2020-21 season

All tiered, AAA and AA teams will be unable to participate in league games for the rest of the year following a deadline set by Hockey Alberta to make a decision.

That includes the Medicine Hat U18 AA Hounds, a team that winger Josh Drefs was excited to play with this year.

“I think we’re all a little bit disappointed,” said Drefs. “But, at the same time there’s really not much we can do about it. So, just trying to stay positive and keep going.”

All Medicine Hat Minor Hockey and SEAC Tigers teams will not be returning for competitive games this year, however there is still a chance players could be back on the ice in some form.

“I think we’re all a little bit disappointed,” said Drefs. “But, at the same time there’s really not much we can do about it. So, just trying to stay positive and keep going.”

While games and tournaments have received the axe, one-on-one sessions will be allowed with the possibility of skill development and practices down the line.

“We’re focused on getting those one-on-one sessions running, hopefully as early as next week when the restrictions are eased a little bit,” said Baron. “As they ease further, we’re going to continue to plan for that and increase our development opportunities for our members, as restrictions allow it.”

The South Alberta Hockey Academy U18 male and female prep teams will still be allowed to operate as they’re classified as an education-based program under Alberta Education, along with the CSSHL.

As for SEAC, they aren’t quite as lucky with their U15 AAA and U16 AAA clubs taken off the ice for Alberta Elite Hockey League games.

SEAC president Brent Sauer is confident his prospective WHL’ers will get the exposure they need to impress scouts however, when it comes to this year’s WHL Draft.

“It has been deferred to December, which gives those second-year U15 players an opportunity still on the horizon which is really good,” said Sauer.

Those athletes who are entering their final year of minor hockey looking for a shot at the junior level are unquestionably the most affected by the decision to cancel, seeing their careers end on a dime.

“This is a totally lost season for them and where do they go from here?” said Baron. “They’re looking for opportunities at the junior level and without getting scouted this year, how do those opportunities come? So, probably that older age group is affected the most.”

Drefs is eligible to return to the Hounds next year for his last year in the Medicine Hat minor system and is looking to keep his skills sharp as possible without any meaningful games.

“Everyone is losing the season, so I got to keep trying to do my best to stay active and healthy and hope to get ahead of some people here,” said Drefs.

Baron confirmed refunds will be made available to players and their families, however he is asking members to be patient.

“Different levels of play and different age groups have different costs involved with operating,” he said. “So, all of that has to be taken into consideration and we’re appreciating the patience from our members as we work through that.”

Hockey Alberta will be making a determination on the future of the season for the Junior B, Junior C and senior levels next week.

While the prospect of a lost season hurts for Baron and the local association, this decision will allow stakeholders to move forward.

“It is nice to not be waiting for that word anymore and we can start looking forward to development this year in the spring and moving on into next year,” said Baron. “Hopefully, everything is back on track by then.”

by Scott Roblin

Medicine Hat hockey community reflecting on loss of 2020-21 season

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