Leeds Chiefs’ Sam Zajac warms to idea of one-off summer of NIHL National hockey

SAM ZAJAC believes a third national lockdown to tackle the coronavirus pandemic will put plans for some kind of NIHL National season back by weeks, possibly months - but he would welcome ‘summer’ hockey if that is the earliest the sport can safely return.
By Phil Harrison
Published 7th Jan 2021, 06:25 BST
LONG WAIT: Leeds Chiefs and the majority of their NIHL National rivals have not played games since March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Den Woolley.LONG WAIT: Leeds Chiefs and the majority of their NIHL National rivals have not played games since March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Den Woolley.
LONG WAIT: Leeds Chiefs and the majority of their NIHL National rivals have not played games since March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Den Woolley.

Having gained ‘Elite sport’ status shortly before Christmas, Zajac and his players could get together for practise at their Elland Road rink.

And while the Leeds Chiefs’ player-coach would love nothing more than to lace up his skates and get on the ice with his team, he believes it is sensible to put season plans on hold with Covid-19 now seemingly at its most dangerous.

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The veteran defenceman says it may be best to wait until the scheduled beginning of the 2021-22 campaign in September, but said he would welcome any moves to put some kind of competitive hockey together before then, as long as it was deemed safe to do so by English Ice Hockey Association and government officials.

Leeds Chiefs' player-coach Sam Zajac believes it may be wise to write off hockey until the 2021-22 season is scheduled to start in September, but would welcome any plans for summer hockey, as long as it is deemed safe to play. Picture: Dean Woolley.Leeds Chiefs' player-coach Sam Zajac believes it may be wise to write off hockey until the 2021-22 season is scheduled to start in September, but would welcome any plans for summer hockey, as long as it is deemed safe to play. Picture: Dean Woolley.
Leeds Chiefs' player-coach Sam Zajac believes it may be wise to write off hockey until the 2021-22 season is scheduled to start in September, but would welcome any plans for summer hockey, as long as it is deemed safe to play. Picture: Dean Woolley.

“I think Monday night’s announcement has put back any plans to have some kind of a season by weeks, maybe months,” said Zajac.

“My personal view is that it would be prudent to look towards next season, just with the way the case numbers are rising and the strain it is putting on the NHS and other services.”

With the continued rollout of two different vaccines in the battle against Covid-19 and the hoped-for impact of a third national lockdown, some predict life could start returning to some kind of normality, at least for some, as early as May.

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If so, it would open up the possibility for some kind of sustainable mini-season to be staged by second-tier teams, something Zajac would welcome, despite ice hockey traditionally regarded as a winter sport.

Sheffield Steeldogs and Milton Keynes Lightning put on a series of games through the Streaming Series staged along with Swindon Wildcats in November. Picture: Dean Woolley.Sheffield Steeldogs and Milton Keynes Lightning put on a series of games through the Streaming Series staged along with Swindon Wildcats in November. Picture: Dean Woolley.
Sheffield Steeldogs and Milton Keynes Lightning put on a series of games through the Streaming Series staged along with Swindon Wildcats in November. Picture: Dean Woolley.

“I don’t think there is any reason why it wouldn’t work through the summer,” added Zajac.

“Given how long it is since most players have been able to play and fans have been able to watch games, there would be definite interest for something like that.

“It would enable us all to make up for lost time and the appetite would certainly be there.

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“Which months hockey takes place in doesn’t really make much difference to me, it will just be great to have it back - as long as it is safe to do so.”

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Related topics:Sam ZajacElland RoadCovid-19NHSLeeds United

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