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Students of the game of hockey will be the ones calling the University of Regina home for the next few months.
The WHL hub in Regina is to begin at Evraz Place on March 12. Players and staff from the seven teams comprising the East Division bubble — the Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Swift Current Broncos, Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince Albert Raiders, Winnipeg Ice and Brandon Wheat Kings — are expected to arrive in Regina on Saturday.
Bettina Welsh, the director of student affairs and operations at the University of Regina, said each team is allowed 35 people per team inside the bubble at the school. That’s 245 people getting ready to call the university home.
She already has received inquiries into what the teams can bring in to pass the time.
“They’ve already asked about video games. They’re going to have to bring their own TV, which they have every intention on doing. I’ve already seen them bring in a ping-pong table and rod hockey game,” Welsh said.
“Teams will bring in their own entertainment in that regard. They can bring in their Apple TV or streaming device. We have WiFi here so they can stream whatever they like.”
She said the teams will each have their own designated floors at either one of the two residential towers on campus or at Luther College. Teams are also going to have designated eating areas and can only travel with their teammates.
“We have an extensive COVID protocol and expectation document from the WHL,” Welsh said. “As far as I’ve seen, there’s no security involved but for every player, there is half of an adult that is a part of the bubble.
“The rosters are about 24 (players) and if they’re allowed 35, the rest of the roster (has) different support staff that can help support the team. Every conversation we’ve had with them, everything that we’ve planned, they are very conscious to stay in their bubble.”
She said the WHL teams haven’t currently booked out any other facilities like the gyms or pool.
“The WHL has expressed they don’t feel that the teams will have time to go to the gym or go to the pool,” Welsh said.
“They’re here for two months so that doesn’t mean that might not change. Right now, they do not have any other facilities booked other than accommodations and areas to eat.”
The university does still have some classes underway and about 270 students living in dorms.
But with more than 1,700 rooms available, Welsh doesn’t see that being an issue.
“There are students but there aren’t that many students. They’re on different floors than where the WHL teams are located,” Welsh said.
“There are quite a few that are hockey fans so I’m sure they’ll be excited to have new people around but they won’t be able to get an autograph this year.”
The WHL is paying to use the facilities but Welsh said she couldn’t reveal how much due to contract confidentiality.