While the NHL works on completing last season, leagues like the OJHL are in a “wait and see” mode as to when they can start next season. That includes the Wellington Dukes and Trenton Golden Hawks.
Normally training camps would open in two weeks with the regular season beginning in early September. Obviously that’s not going to happen this year. However Wellington Dukes head coach Derek Smith says teams have been kept up to date on a fluid situation.
Smith sees one silver lining to the delay of the regular season. Namely player development.
Most of the off-season work to build a roster is complete and Smith says the Dukes will have a great mix of returning players as well as 16 year old graduates of the OMHA champion Quinte Red Devil minor midgets.
There’s a good chance the season will begin without fans which Smith says would be unfortunate.
Smith hopes fans will be allowed as the season progresses. However the question remains, when will it begin.
You can hear the entire conversation between Derek Smith and Quinte Broadcasting Sports Director Jack Miller below.
