The long  wait is over, as far as the return of the NHL, but it wasn’t the easiest of roads to travel for the NHL as well as the Canucks.

Pro sports weren’t the only sports that were hard hit in this department, but depending on who you ask they are the group of individuals who have been treated like second class citizens.

I mention this as it has been brought to my attention that in the early part of this past fall both minor and adult sports were allowed to play

Depending on who you ask, opinions vary with all treating the rules different by the means in which they conducted their sporting games.

For the most part many are respecting the rules in place by the Provincial Government and of course some say the rules would  change if the Liberals were in power – BUT THE’RE NOT!!

Adult hockey are holding “tailgate” parties in the parking lot for games, while some, but not all parents of the kids are no different, acting in the same manner.

Being fair, it’s not all parents or the youth, but when we are seeing restrictions in place for some pubs, it’s interesting to see full tables at some arena’s

The sad part about this is that the one concern that no one seems to be addressing is that the adults leave the arena after a couple of drinks, with no sight of any counter attack to be seen.

So while we await the report to come out, it’s reported that Premier John Horgan officially gave his approval for the Canucks to return to Rogers Arena and commence play.

We are hearing that Premier Horgan has spoken with Francesco Aquillini about the Canucks plan to return to play and feels that all enhanced health measures are in place so games can be played in a safe environment..

The schedule will have 56 games and apparently scheduled to start January 13th and it’s interesting to note that Canada’s Federal Liberal Government has issued an exemption to the mandatory 14-day quarantine for NHL players and staff to return to Canada under “national interest grounds.

In a release from the Vancouver Canucks they state “Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said she and her counterparts in those provinces have collaborated to make their recommendations on a safe return to play to the NHL:.

The 56-game season is slated to begin on Jan. 13, and Ottawa has issued an exemption to the mandatory 14-day quarantine for NHL players and staff to return to Canada under “national interest grounds.”

However, the final say on whether games can take place will fall to the five provinces which host NHL teams.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said she and her counterparts in those provinces have collaborated to make their recommendations on a safe return to play in the NHL.

Here’s hoping that there are no issues and/or concerns from players, coaches, management or media members attending.

Reportedly BC is only the second province to officially approve NHL games, coming after Alberta gave the OK on Dec. 25 following the review of protocols outlined in the league’s return-to-play plan, along with some additional enhancements.

Also let’s not forget that Canucks Announcer Al Murdoch,  will be returning to the mic.