The Prairie Hockey Academy is still going ahead with practices out in Caronport even though they're not sure exactly if or when games will be able to get going again.

PHA President Justin Simpkins said it's been a tough time in the hockey community for everyone.

“The way we’ve adjusted to it is we’ve really just tried to maintain a really positive mindset in amongst it all, and recognize the opportunity that sometimes happens in these types of moments, when there is big downturns and the disappointment that can happen, and what can we learn from it and grow from it,” Simpkins said. “Obviously, small group training, I’ve just really been impressed with the student-athletes out there.”

Simpkins said the players have owned their own development this season.

“We haven’t had anybody really apathetic or starting to pack it in yet,” Simpkins said. “That’s been good to see, and kudos to the athletes and their commitment to everything. But we’ve been doing the same thing most people have is just keeping up on training and looking to improve on things now that other seasons wouldn’t give us.”

The U16 and U17 prep teams had elected to start the season in the Saskatchewan U18 AA league this year but were each only able to play a handful of games. Playing out of the Barkman Arena, the PHA teams would normally be playing in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, but that interprovincial, Western Canada-based circuit wasn’t able to get games going this season due to teams not being able to travel out of province.

Simpkins said they’re using technology, such as using video to help their power skating coach in Zoom calls help their players individually.

“We have time right now to actually break down strides and rebuild them, given the fact we don’t have games for a while,” he said. “We’re going to look at unique ways to use ... technology today to actually look at ways to keep developing and use different things.”

Recruitment for next season is still going well.

“Maybe this would surprise people, but we have a lot of interest already for next year,” Simpkins said. “Maybe there’s a sentiment out there that people are already starting to look ahead to next year, going ‘What could we do next year to maybe get ahead. Maybe going to an academy could be an opportunity to get some extra ice time, and develop and train.’ Next year, right now I think people are bullish on what next year looks like. So we’re pretty confident about that.”