Sports were a privilege in 2020, if you got the chance to play or watch any in a year that most fans would like to forget.
The COVID-19 pandemic either cancelled, postponed or shortened seasons for Prince George athletes, some of whom are still patiently waiting for any form of competition to begin with the virus continuing to rage through B.C.
A question you might be pondering… did any sports even happen this year? Was there anything worth noting from a local perspective?
Yes, there absolutely was!
There were some good, edge-of-your-seat memories, but also some that brought a tearful eye to local residents.
PrinceGeorgeMatters covered as much sports as possible this past year, so here’s a look back at some of the stories made popular by you, the loyal readers (in no particular order):
Prince George 2020 World Women’s Curling Championships cancelled
This was arguably one of the most highly anticipated events on the Prince George sports calendar until COVID-19 reached the region.
The 2020 World Women’s Curling Championships was set to bring in a lot of economic and tourism benefits with athletes, coaches, fans and media coming from 13 different countries.
The international event was awarded to Prince George Curling Club in February 2019, roughly three months after it had lost its campaign to host the 2020 Tim Horton’s Brier, Canada’s national championship for men’s curling.
The World Curling Federation making the call in conjunction with Northern Health for the safety of everyone involved.
Prince George’s Danika Kroeker chosen to officiate Canada-USA Rivalry Series
Before COVID-19 brought hockey to a stand-still for the summer, Danika Kroeker was able to fulfill a dream she held onto since the day she picked up a whistle.
The Prince George official was called up to skate with some of the continent’s best women athletes and act as a lineswoman for two games in the 2020 Canada-USA Rivalry Series.
She earned her stripes in Vancouver and Victoria in early February, months after she graced the National Women’s Under-18 Championships in Manitoba, which included the gold-medal game.
Kroeker is hoping this (very cool) feather in her helmet can help get her to the World Women’s Hockey Championships or the Olympics.
.@Danika_Kroeker was caught offside when she received a call to line 2 of the final 3 games in 🇨🇦/🇺🇸 #RivalrySeries, an addition to the Prince George official's extensive resume that includes a national gold medal game | https://t.co/DCkoUKTJNL #CityOfPG @BCHockey_Refs @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/gnf0Ly6LSA
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) January 31, 2020
Fan favourite and former Prince George Spruce King suddenly passes
In a year of ups and downs for the Prince George Spruce Kings, which followed its most historic season on record, but this moment stood out the most for local readers.
Chad Staley tragically died at the age of 25, five years after he wore the red, white and blue ‘C’ in B.C.’s north.
The American’s family announced the news on social media, and more than $18,000 was raised for them to create a memorial fund in his honour.
Staley was remembered as a fan favourite and a community symbol for Prince George between 2012 and 2015, making the playoffs in all three years.
The 2020-21 Spruce Kings honoured the fallen captain with a decal on the back of their helmets with the number ‘22.’
Rest in peace, Chad… forever a Spruce King!
Prince George fastball community forges new friendships for safe play during COVID-19
One sport that managed to safely put a season together, and that Prince George fans couldn’t resist watching, was the Spruce City Men’s Fastball League.
What started with four clubs expanded to five as organizers invited Prince George Senior Men’s Baseball players to form a team after their season got cancelled by COVID-19.
The Grays were immediately welcomed with open arms, so much so that they embraced the challenge and went to win the 2020 season.
Taylor Gauthier the first Prince George Cougar since 2012 to make Canada’s World Junior roster
It’s been nine years since a Prince George Cougar (Brett Connolly) wore the maple leaf at a World Junior Hockey Championship.
Taylor Gauthier was named to Canada ahead of the 2021 bubble tournament in Edmonton, which the team is beginning its journey to a potential second-straight gold medal starting today (Dec. 26).
He’s the first goaltender to represent the Cats on the biggest major junior stage.
As the only undrafted player on Canada this year, Gauthier sees this as another chance to prove to NHL clubs he is worthy of a selection.
It’ll also be the first time since 2012 that two Prince George Cougars will compete at the World Juniors after Filip Koffer was named to the Czech Republic.
Honourable mentions
Prince George Cheerleaders win a second BC provincials banner
Northern Capitals host Canada’s first-ever outdoor female Under-18 AAA game
Sports cancelled for UNBC Timberwolves amid COVID-19
BC Winter Games bestow Prince George speedskater with highest bursary award
Prince George Cougar alum Dan Hamhuis retires after 16 NHL seasons
