Jeff Riccardi is optimistic and planning for a full 2021-2022 Thunder Bay Kings AAA hockey season despite the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Riccardi was brought back as the Head Coach of the Kings Under-18 squad back on April 14. The other coaches for next season will be Joe Ritson (U-13) Matt Simeoni (U-15) and Lonny Bohonos (U-16).
“There are higher powers than us that will make decisions whether things happen or not,” Riccardi said, when discussing the upcoming hockey season. “My job is to just ensure that the program is ready to go, which will involve planning on my part. I want to have the best team possible and ensure that everything is in place for my players once things open up.”
The bench boss notes the Kings have tentative plans to hold events starting next month, depending on pandemic restrictions.
“Typically the clubs would run something either in May or June that would act as a programming weekend for review of players and then a follow up event in mid to late August,” mentioned Riccardi.
The under 13 squad will have their opponents for the upcoming campaign determined at a later date while the other three teams will compete in the Greater Toronto Hockey League in 2021-22.
