Abstract

This study collected opinions and observations from the parents of youth recreational hockey players registered for league play in southwestern Manitoba in 2020 and 2021 towards the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on players and their families. We also collected opinions from hockey association directors. We coordinated with the three leagues in southwestern Manitoba to send out an email invitation to registered hockey families with a link to an online questionnaire. The majority of parents and directors disagreed with the restrictions on play imposed by the Province of Manitoba and displayed a large degree of frustration. Many of the players commented on the lack of comfort in wearing masks while playing and missing friends while play was suspended. In addition, most parents also indicated the restrictions had negative mental and physical impacts on their player. Conversely, respondents also reported that they saved money and spent more family time together while play was suspended.