It came as no surprise this week that the WHL followed the leads of the Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.
The Prince George Cougars and the other 21 league teams will need to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to the start of the season, which begins on Friday, October 1st.
This goes for all players, operations staff, office personnel, and officials.
In addition, General Managers, Coaches, Head Scouts, Directors, Player Personnel, Equipment Managers, On and Off-Ice Consultants along with anyone who has contact with players on a regular basis will need to be vaccinated as well.
The Western Hockey League has adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.
DETAILS ? | https://t.co/RtXa2aAGMI pic.twitter.com/a3R9b0ynY8
— The WHL (@TheWHL) August 16, 2021
Andy Beesley is the VP of Business for the Cougars.
This week I asked him several questions on the COVID-19 vaccination topic.
What are the options for fans attending PG Cougars games this season?
Will fans have to be fully vaccinated to attend Cougars games this season?
Will fans have to wear masks to Cougars games?
Do you personally favor that everybody at the Cougars games, including fans, should be vaccinated?
Answer: “If the health officials tell us we need to have vaccines I am going to be in favor of that. If they tell us vaccines can be optional I am going to be in favor of that. My opinion does not matter on health matters.”
Are all the seats at CN Centre for sale or is there still a chance of reduced capacity?
Answer: “At this time we have not been given any information on reduced capacity.”
ICYMI last week the Canucks told me proof of vaccination to access Rogers Arena or Abbotsford Centre was under consideration https://t.co/PsasIPcjj2
— Patrick Johnston (@risingaction) August 17, 2021
FROM THE QUOTE RACK:
Los Angeles County will introduce a mask mandate, regardless of vaccination status, for large outdoor events over 10,000 people, including baseball games. So Dodgers fans can still go maskless after the 7th inning?
*Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
J.R. Richard, one of the most terrifying and intimidating pitchers of his time, has passed at 71. Two angels at St. Peter’s Gate called in sick so they wouldn’t have to face J.R.
*Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
Joe Thornton, a 23-season NHL veteran, says that the Florida Panthers is a perfect fit for him after the 42-year-old agreed to a one-year contract. Of course, he can hit all the Early Bird Special spots for his pre-game meals.
*Contributor Marc Ragovin
The Sudoku investor just died. They said he was 69, but he could have been 50, 73, 82, or 41.
*Contributor TC Chong
In Case You Missed It:
One way the Miami Marlins have historically tried to boost attendance is by body painting nude models during games. This puts a whole new spin on the top and bottom of an inning.
*Western Canadian comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
Hartley Miller is the news and sports director/supervisor plus morning news anchor for 94.3 the GOAT and Country 97fm. He also is the radio color commentator for P.G. Cougars’ home games. Hartley has been on the Prince George airwaves since 1979 and is the author of You Don’t Say (sports quotes).
His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to hmiller@thegoatrocks.ca
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
