A change of plans for the Thunder Bay Kings that they might have been expecting.
We’ve been working on [Plan B] likely since the second week of September
“We were [no doubt] excited about potentially starting as early as November 15th, which was the initial forecast back when we got word in August that we had become the latest member of the [Greater Toronto Hockey League],” notes Kings President Michael Power. “I think everyone understands that this is a once in a generation pandemic, not a once in a lifetime event, and [at the end of the day] it’s all about the health and safety of our kids and loved ones.”
RELATED: Three Thunder Bay Kings squads set to skate in GTHL
Courtesy: GASP Photgraphy
Power says Plan B is possible thanks to a few factors: a relatively low case count of COVID-19, the efforts made by both the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Northwestern Health Unit, along with the guidance of Hockey Northwest Ontario.
Following the selection of all four AAA teams a few weeks ago, the schedule is set to kick into full gear soon with games starting soon.
WHAT’S INVOLVED
- BUBBLE 1: Under-13, Under-15 players and staff
- BUBBLE 2: Under-16, Under-18 players and staff
- Eight teams drafted and named after notable alumni (Team Matt Murray, Team Patrick Sharp, Team Eric Staal, Team Marc Staal)
- The bubbles will practice during the week and play Saturday nights at Fort William First Nation
Power credits the Return to Play guidelines released by Thunder Bay Minor Hockey Association and Hockey Northwestern Ontario for helping with the alternative plan. The guidelines outlined the 50 
player bubble concept and stressed hockey had be played with no body contact and in a 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 format.
“We’ve had the better part of the last five weeks to prepare, acknowledging that out first and foremost objective was to be in the Greater Toronto Hockey League,” notes Power. “We’ve been really preparing for the Plan B in the event that the GTHL opening was pushed back. Acknowledging that Toronto has and continues to be a hot spot [for COVID-19 cases] we’ve been working on it likely since the second week of September.”
Power adds the efforts of many have lead to this announcement, including
- Thunder Bay Kings Board of Directors
- Coaches and Managers of the Kings
- Hockey Northwestern Ontario
- Thunder Bay District Health Unit
- Fort William First Nation
