The Medicine Hat Cubs logo sits freshly painted at centre ice in the Kinplex in this 2019 file photo.--NEWS FILE PHOTO RYAN MCCRACKEN
The Heritage Junior Hockey League is optimistic it will return to the ice for a 2020-21 season, even stronger than it was before.
The junior B hockey league announced Saturday that it has been in contact will all of its member teams, as well as Alberta’s junior B chair and the province’s four other league presidents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s more, Saturday’s release suggests there could be at least one new team when sports finally return to communities across Alberta.
“Not only have all HJHL teams indicated they will return when Hockey Alberta and provincial health authorities give the green light, but the league will likely have more teams than when the sports world was forced to shut down,” reads the release. “Scheduling options are currently being discussed with team representatives to determine the best course of action.”
The HJHL had its season cut short in the third round of the playoffs. The league has 14 teams across southern Alberta.
The release goes on to say that Hockey Canada has stated individual provinces will have the final say on when it will be safe to return to play, and that the HJHL is hoping to see arenas start opening back up in June.
Players wishing to compete in the HJHL next season are encouraged to get in touch with teams directly in order to sign up for potential try-outs.
