As each day passes, minor hockey in Prince George and across B.C. may likely have to wait until fall 2021 for a chance at competitive play.
With that possibility still on the horizon considering the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, three locally born-and-raised athletes are set to get a headstart on developing the skills and talent needed to compete at the Under-18 women’s level in the province.
The Northern Capitals announced on Friday (March 5) the additions of forward Abby Bryant, and defence Avery Maloney and Sage Nohr to its 2020-21 roster.
A team spokesperson confirmed to PrinceGeorgeMatters the Caps had three open spots for this year in the chance a season was to commence.
The Under-18 AAA Female club has now awarded them to the trio, all of whom were members of the Prince George Under-15 Single-A Capitals the last two years.
In following COVID-19 protocols, as the team has been all year long, the promotion comes with major opportunities as Bryant, Maloney and Nohr will now get to train with Capitals players and coaches on- and off-ice, preparing them for a higher stage of hockey.
In their last full campaign of 2019-20, which the Under-15 Capitals finished third in the regular-season with a record of 6-7-3, Bryant notched 13 points in 16 games, including eight goals and five assists.
She was the third-highest scorer among her teammates behind Jessa Brewer and Lindsay Goncalves with whom she joins on the current Under-18 Caps’ team.
Maloney and Nohr each registered a goal and three assists in that same season.
The three were fortunate to play some games in the fall before B.C. implemented a COVID-19 public health order on sports travel on Nov. 19, 2020.
Combining both exhibition and Female ‘A’ North Zone League contests, the Under-15 Capitals went undefeated at 5-0.
Nohr led the scoresheet with four goals and seven points, Maloney’s four points were all goals and Bryant recorded three goals and an assist.
The Northern Capitals, prior to the extended pause, were 2-4-2 in eight exhibition games.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has placed all public health orders in effect until further notice, including the one on sports travel and games.
She’s set to provide an in-person update at 3 p.m. today (March 8), though it’s not clear if any restrictions will be lifted.
