Hockey hurting but hopeful

The Upper Great Southern Hockey Association is exploring the possibilities of playing a shortened season or playing later than normal — if players are able to return to the turf this year.

Hockey WA postponed all hockey-related activities until May 31 because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

UGSHA has not made a decision on the 2020 season.

That is on hold, but development officer Rodney Johnson said there were a number of options.

“We have had a semi-briefing as an association as to what we are going to do, but there is not a lot we can do during times like this,” Johnson said.

“We are just taking it day by day and listening to what the Government and Hockey Australia tell us.

“We are going to do a combination of shortening the season and ending at a later date if we are able to return.

“You can’t play your season too much later because of summer sport and small communities out here want to play them, so that will interfere if we finish too late.

“We are thinking maybe play one full round of regular games, then finals.”

Challenges and activities are being posted on the UGSHA Facebook page to keep members engaged.

“We are keeping the hockey community involved, reminiscing things and putting old team photos up,” he said.

“We have set up a skills challenge where kids have to upload videos of themselves doing skills.

“Financially, it’s hurting us already and going into next year, we will be behind, so that’s a challenge.”