Preseason hockey is underway in the QMJHL league, but it will be a very different year at the arena with COVID-19 restrictions.
Moncton Wildcats Spokesperson Courtney Huestis says the team are playing their first game this afternoon against Charlottetown at the Avenir Centre.
“Right now, the building still isn’t open to the public, so there will be no fans in attendance. We will be streaming live on our YouTube channel and we will have out regular Play by Play Announcer calling the games. So it will feel like a real broadcast for fans,” Huestis says.
The regular season gets underway in October.
Huestis says there will be a major reduction in the number of fans permitted in the stands though, “Our capacity with 25 per cent is around 2300 to 2500, somewhere in there. Until we get everyone seated, the number can fluctuate a little bit, so we are expecting to be very close to that number with our season ticket holders.”
Currently, they are reaching out to their current season ticket holders.
“If anyone is interested in getting on the wait list, once we know how many spots we have available, they can call the office or send us an email and we can add their name to the list of calls we will be making once we get through our current ticketholders,” Huestis says.
Those attending the games, must wear a mask until they get to their seats. Fans will be sitting six feet apart.
She says prices have increased slightly, due to the additional costs for the building. This is due to the financial losses due to COVID-19.
The Wildcats will only be playing against the other five teams in Atlantic Canada this season, Halifax, Charlottetown, Cape Breton and Bathurst.