With the Saskatchewan- and Manitoba-based teams of the WHL poised to open play in a bubble in Regina next month, many people are wondering what the future will hold for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. A return to play committee comprised of four coaches has put together a proposal, submitted it to the provincial government, and is now just waiting for approval.

The panel comprises of Doug Johnson, the head coach of the Nipawin Hawks, Mike Regan, head coach of the Flin Flon Bombers, Jason Tatarnic, head coach of the Estevan Bruins, and Scott Barney, the head coach of the Humboldt Broncos.

The proposal that was submitted is said to include the option of utilizing two to three bubbles across the league, to allow the completion of the 2020-21 season, which was put on hold in November due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and public health measures that were implemented to help curb the spread of the virus.

One of the obstacles that comes up when talking about a bubble for the SJHL is the costs associated with it, and who would be paying them.

“Who's going to be bearing the brunt of that bill, and the truth of the matter is, it’s probably somewhere between the players and the teams, depending on which club wants to foot that bill,” explained Jamie Neugebauer, the co-host of the SJ at Noon.

Nothing specific has been detailed about the costs, or if any of the league sponsors would help out with additional funding. As it stands for the teams in the league, they have still had to pay bills, but have had limited funds coming in due to the lack of the season, and fundraising efforts to help cover the gaps have been limited.

Discover Weyburn’s Steven Wilson talked with Neugebauer about what some of the options are, and what he has heard as some of the potential sites for the bubbles in the league. You can listen to the complete interview below:

 

SJHL Reporters · SJHL Insider Jamie Neugebauer - Return To Play?