Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
WCHA
Reports of the death of the University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey program appear to have been premature. After school officials announced recently that the sport would be cut to save money, boosters quickly raised more than $300,000 to cover most of the costs for the 2020-2021 season. University president Darren Dawson said the school will pay for any additional costs this year. A task force will be created to develop funding for future seasons. Michigan Tech is scheduled to skate at Huntsville November 6th and 7th, and host the Chargers for the Winter Carnival series February 5th and 6th.
High School
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has released guidelines for resuming athletic activities, following the COVID-19 shutdown. Facilities will remain closed until Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Safer at Home order is no longer in effect. Specific timetables for beginning workouts will not be posted until that happens.
In the initial period once activities do resume, all participants, including athletes, will be required to wear cloth masks, and observe social distancing rules. Health screenings, including temperature checks, will be required before each session. Locker rooms will be off limits, and athletes will be advised to arrive wearing the appropriate gear, and return home to shower. No equipment or supplies may be shared among players.
If improvement continues in the pandemic situation, athletes will be able to work out in small groups, and in closer proximity.
There is no assurance that athletic activities will be able to resume in the fall. It’s also possible that lower-risk activities, such as cross country, will be allowed, and higher-risk sports, such as football, will not. Athletic directors are being advised that COVID-19 outbreaks could force school closings in the fall, which could cause game cancellations. They’re also being told that spectators will probably not be allowed at most venues, and that multiple buses or additional transport by parents to away venues may be necessary to maintain safe social distancing during trips.
You can link to the full advisory here.
MLB
Major League Baseball has confirmed that this year’s amateur draft will take place next week. The opening round will be held on Wednesday, with the Detroit Tigers picking first, and the Milwaukee Brewers 20th. Rounds two through five complete the draft next Thursday. The draft has been shortened from its usual 40 rounds to save teams money during the COVID-19 shutdown. Clubs will be able to sign undrafted free agents, but only for a maximum salary of $20,000. That’s expected to inspire most candidates to play next year in college.
Horseshoes
Copper Country Horseshoe League play begins this evening…
• Dreamland One faces Calumet Electronics at the Dreamland Bar.
• Dreamland Two takes on Drift Inn at the Drift Inn.
• Harter’s Party Store meets 41 Lumber at Rocky’s Bar.
• Calumet One plays Ahmeek Fire Department at Ahmeek Park.
• L and L faces Bucko’s Party Store at the Calumet Dam.
• Rocky’s will play Loading Zone at Lake Linden Park.
Email sports news to mornings@up.net.
