Nobels forfeit third straight

A teacher is standing by their union by forfeiting girls high school hockey games.

Belle River District High School forfeited their third game of the season, this time against St. Joseph’s Catholic High School. The game was scheduled for Feb. 4 at the WFCU Centre. Their last game is scheduled for Feb. 6 against St. Anne Catholic High School. With the playoffs at the end of February, Belle River coach Joel Caslick is not worried about the condition of his players.

“The girls are obviously upset, but they are understanding and supportive of the teachers and coaches,” said Caslick. “Fortunately, the girls have other avenues and will be prepared for the playoffs.”

Caslick said he is holding his breath in hopes that issues will be resolved. The Greater Essex County District School Board has been holding meetings weekly to discuss Bill 115. The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board has come to an agreement to accept the bill.

Jan Sokolowski, Coach of the St. Joseph’s girls’ hockey team said it is the public schools’ choice in what they want to do. He said he calls the forfeit a “no game” because of the circumstances.

“There was a lot of confusion on whether they would be playing or not,” said Sokolowski. “This should have been decided before the season even started. I just wanted the girls to go out and play.”

He said the damage is already done and coaches who did not coach this year should hold up their decision to not coach next year as well.

“Everyone has reasons for doing certain things,” Sokolowski said. “You make a choice and you have to live by your choice.”