First game of THHL season for Shamrocks tonight in Killarney
Plenty of changes for local fans
BY JAY STRUTH
The Killarney Shamrocks are back at the Shamrock Centre tonight at 8 p.m. to open the Tiger Hills Hockey League season against the expansion Virden Oil Kings.
The addition of the Oil Kings brings the THHL to an even 14 teams, with Virden joining the West Division and Wawanesa moving over to the East Division. Teams will play a 12 game regular season, playing a home-and-home with teams inside their own division.
And those aren’t the only changes to the THHL this season. There are several social distancing rules and restrictions within the league’s arenas, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Game time rules as of this Friday
Fans will be allowed in no earlier than 15 minutes prior to game time, and must exit within 15 minutes of the game ending. Masks will be required, a list of attendees will be kept, and normal COVID-19 screening will be done. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms please do not attend.
“There is no canteen, so bring your coffee and popcorn,” said David Jones, president of the Killarney Shamrocks. “We must monitor the number of people, and the current limit is approximately 98 in total, with limits on inside, outside and mezzanine. Family members do not need to socially distance.”
Instead of having to make change, there will be a donation box for gate. Regular league admission is $7 for an adult.
“We encourage single season tickets/donations and $40 is the suggested amount,” said Jones. “Fans can drop a note into the donation box with their name if they choose to let us know they purchased a season ticket.”
The 50/50 draw will now be a progressive 50/50, with tickets being sold throughout the hockey season, and one draw for the total proceeds will be done at the last home game. People are encouraged to buy tickets throughout the season to see the pot increase each week.
“We are not doing a Shamrock Booster program this season, but encourage any business to lend support via donation or by supporting the progressive 50/50,” added Jones. “We also hope to hold our NHL hat auction closer to the start of the NHL season to help cover some operating costs again this year.”
There will also be live video of the games streamed on the Killarney Shamrocks Facebook page. Catch the action!
BACK AT IT TONIGHT – Brian Archibald and the Killarney Shamrocks are back at the Shamrock Centre tonight to face the expansion Virden Oil Kings at 8 p.m. The Shamrocks next home game is against Melita on November 13.