You can save yourself the pinch…you are not dreaming…this is actually happening! The ADHSHL announced earlier this week that a shortened season will be played after all. California’s loosening of COVID-19 related restrictions now allows for indoor youth sports to resume and has led to an opportunity for the ADHSHL to hold an abbreviated year. The league begins March 25 with two varsity matchups: Villa Park taking on Corona-Norco and Edison facing-off against Tustin United (formerly Beckman). While a few weeks ago the league hosted an exhibition-style weekend in the ADHSHL Vegas Spring Showdown, Thursday will mark the first time since the Junior Varsity Championship games on February 29th, 2020 (yes, 391 days ago) that there will be meaningful action in the ADHSHL.
Pacific Ridge captures the ADHSHL Junior Varsity Lincoln Conference title on February 29, 2020, the most recent meaningful game played in the league.
If the Vegas Spring Showdown was any indication, the players, along with the coaching staff, families, and fans, are more than ready to return to the ice. It also gives the seniors of the participating teams the chance to throw on the sweater of their program for one last ride, an opportunity that seemed somewhat doubtful for many just a few weeks ago. The ADHSHL has outlined the parameters of the season, which do change the operation a little bit given the guidelines set forth by the state. Among the biggest announcements are that there will be three divisions (2 Varsity, 1 Junior Varsity), and that the health and safety guidelines are and will continue to be based on the current The Rinks and Great Park ICE, Local and State guidelines.
Currently, only one spectator will be permitted per student-athlete participating in each game. The good news, for fans who want to keep up with the action, is that many of the games in the league this season will be streamed live for free right here on CIH Media.
Many things have changed in the almost 400 days since there have been meaningful Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League games played, but regardless of the changes, the student-athletes remain prepared to lace up the skates, don their team’s sweater, and participate in the sport they love. And it all begins in less than 24 hours.
Christian J. Ilten CIH ADHSHL Contibutor
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