As winter sports are beginning, things are definitely going to look different than they have in past years. All athletes are required to play and practice in masks. This will be a challenge for most athletes, but masks are what experts believe will keep us safe and as the numbers of covid cases in Minnesota are so high wearing masks has been deemed necessary.

When asked, hockey players feel masks are going to affect the way 

they play, especially because they already wear a helmet. Junior Maggie Dolan said, “it’s definitely going to be an adjustment, but it is worth it to be able to play the sport I love.” Many athletes are just glad to be able to play. Dolan also shared with me that she bought special masks that clip into her helmet instead of having to have it around her ears.

Basketball players will also face challenges this year as they will also be wearing masks. After the first day of tryouts, Junior Tyler Mader said, “I’m glad I get to be back with the team in person, as we have been having zoom meetings, but playing in masks makes running up and down the court much more difficult than it’s ever been for me.” 

Most highschool athletes are excited to get back in the gym, on the ice or on the slopes, but as we all know, nothing is the same as it has been in past years due to the restrictions we have had for almost a year now due to the pandemic. Everyone is hopeful that 2021 will bring hope and winter sports starting might just be the start of the light at the end of the tunnel.