Crested Butte town league hockey set for 2021

Registration open, refs in place

[ by Than Acuff ]

While cases of COVID-19 nationwide seem to be on the rise, Gunnison County continues to buck the national trend and the Crested Butte town league hockey season is looking good to go.

“Business as usual,” says West Elk Hockey Association executive director Wendy Buckhanan.

Buckhanan explains that the Gunnison fall adult league is starting their playoffs this week and that has gone smoothly, helping to keep confidence high regarding the winter leagues.

“That’s all been fine,” says Buckhanan. “We’re eight weeks in and had no positive cases. We’ve limited numbers to 25 on the ice and will do the same for the Crested Butte league.”

Registration for the Crested Butte town league season is currently open and Buckhanan is not really sure what numbers will look like for the season.

“Gunnison fall league saw a 30 percent drop, which we sort of expected, so we might see the same in Crested Butte and only have six teams but we’ll see,”she says.

Players who register will have an option to get some insurance if the season is forced to cancel so Buckhanan encourages everyone and anyone thinking of playing to go ahead and sign up.

“Register and keep your fingers crossed it will happen,” says Buckhanan.

There will be some limits to teams though and the draft format remains up in the air. Teams will be limited to 10 players and WEHA is trying to figure out the COVID correct way to do the draft.

The one mystery that has been laid to rest, though, is officials. For years, the question of officials available to work Crested Butte town league games has always been in question. This year, Buckhanan put out the call again and six players signed up and are doing all of the necessary work to get licensed as hockey officials.

“They’ve stepped up and we’re excited,” says Buckhanan. “We still have two officials in Gunnison willing to drive up once a week if needed but if we have six that should be enough to cover all three nights.”

Flooding at the rink has started and the season is slated to start on Monday, January 4 with games Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, “barring any craziness.”

To register or find out more information about the Crested Butte town league hockey season go to wehockey.org.