OLDS— The COVID-19 pandemic has forced postponement — if not outright cancellation — of the 2020 Central Alberta Lacrosse League (CLL) season.
However, there’s a faint possibility games of some sort might occur in June, if arenas are open, says Joe Berreth, president of the Olds Lacrosse Association (OLA).
Teams in the association play in the CLL.
When asked what he thought of the fact the season had to be at least postponed, Berreth said with a laugh, “(it) sucks.”
The situation frustrated him so much that, when interviewed, Berreth was looking at having T-shirts created with the words “Coronavirus cancelled our season” printed on them.
“Just for the fun of it,” he said.
The decision to at least postpone – if not eventually cancel – the 2020 season was made during the first week of April by the Alberta Lacrosse Association.
Berreth said if it turns out teams can get into arenas in June, that poses a question.
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“We’re not sure too what we would do; whether it’s a kind of four-on-four, some training, fitness, something like that,” he said.
Berreth said once the season was called off, fees were refunded.
The OLA features teams of kids ranging from U-6 to U-16.
Berreth said the loss of the season so far is sad, because overall, local minor lacrosse players had a good season last year.
His recollection is that most teams in the Olds association made it to the playoffs and he believes the bantams won the zones.
He said about half of those bantam players have now aged out, but a strong core remains for the future.
Berreth said the COVID-19 outbreak did not affect registration for the OLA because that took place in February.
He said league play was scheduled to begin the third weekend in April.
Via Facebook, Berreth has been suggesting ways that players can keep in shape.
“Now whether they do it or not (that’s their business),” he said with a laugh.
