Martensville Minor Hockey ‘pressing pause’ on operations following COVID rise in community

Martensville Minor Hockey is pausing its program until at least Dec. 1 following concerns of COVID-19 within the community.

That’s according to the president of the association, Trevor Hanley.

“Late last night, we as a board came to the conclusion that the best decision, the best way to move forward at this time, given the circumstances is to press pause,” he told 650 CKOM Tuesday.

“It is, obviously a fluid situation. We’re continuing to monitor what we’re seeing out in our community and surrounding communities.”

Hanley said the association is made up of volunteer community members, from parents to players, to coaches and officials.

“When people are sick, or our neighbours are sick, it affects our association in some way, shape or form,” he explained.

Hanley said he could not share information on if teams have been affected by COVID-19. Self-isolation with close contacts has had an effect, however.

“I can’t confirm how these people are getting sick,” he said. “The support has been overwhelming this past number of hours, whatever it’s been since we announced this.”

Additional protocols were taken over this past weekend, which included a halt to dryland training and a maximum of two spectators in the arena for each player, visiting and home teams.

The pausing of the season for the entire association has been a decision that has been welcomed, Hanley said.

“I’ve had numerous people reach out today saying that this was the right move. This is a smart decision and yeah, it sucks for the kids, for minor hockey, but safety is paramount,” he explained.

Earlier today the Prairie Spirit School Division sent out a news release saying a person at Venture Heights Elementary School in Martensville has tested positive for COVID-19.