What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
Nov 18, 2024
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
On Monday, the federal government announced it would be opening the border to vaccinated Americans in three weeks, and about a month later for everyone else who’s vaccinated.
James Bogusz, head of the Regina Airport Authority, said that is positive news, but in the meantime, it doesn’t do anything for the airport.
Neither Regina, nor Saskatoon’s airports were on an expanded list released Monday of Canadian airports that could accept international flights.
Bogusz said he doesn’t have any indication on when Regina could be added to that list.
“We’re anxiously awaiting some information from the federal government as to when our airport can welcome these flights directly again to our airport without having to connect to a place like Calgary or Toronto,” said Bogusz
He said he’s put out even more requests on the subject this week.
“I’ve been asking for quite some time on this file and so far there’s been no day provided or really any indication when our province will be back in the international game again,” explained Bogusz.
Looking at the list of airports, Bogusz pointed out that Quebec City was added, noting that the city’s airport is comparable to Regina or Saskatoon.
“So that fact that that province now has two airports that can receive international flights, one of which is very comparable to our airport, we don’t understand why our province was missed,” said Bogusz.
In March, the Regina airport and a few others lost their official “international” designation from Transport Canada. Bogusz said that doesn’t preclude flights from coming to Regina from places like the U.S. or Mexico, but not being on this new list does.
Bogusz said Saskatchewan deserves direct international access.
“We’re a large, growing province. We’re the capital here in Regina and, as far as I’m concerned, this access needs to be restored as soon as possible.”
Carriers like WestJet and Sunwing have already announced direct flights from Regina to places in the U.S. and “sun destinations” starting this fall and winter.