Minor hockey in the Foothills will be back this fall, but it won't be the minor hockey we know.

Foothills Minor Hockey Association Vice President, Duncan McLeish, says there won't be any games to start the season.

"The biggest thing we're trying to tell people is that this is really going to be a developmental season. We're really going to be focusing on developing the kids in the skills in the skating skills, puck skills and teamwork, that kind of thing. We're not expecting to have games right away."

McLeish, says they're still expecting a lot of kids coming out to play this year.

"We have very close to the same numbers as we had last year, registrants. So, we're cautiously optimistic. There's still plenty of time to sign up for FMHA hockey, as well as the (Foothills) Bisons camp, which is on (Monday) September 21st."

When they are able to get into the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex again, McLeish says that's going to come with some changes too.

"We're going to ask that the kids get dressed at home and then come to the arena dressed and they can put their skates on in the arena. There's going to be no showering. There's obviously going to be no sharing of water bottles. So, we'll ask that kids bring one or two water bottles to get them through a practice or a game."

He says they're still trying to work out issues around ice in High River.

The Town says they'll have the large rink open by Monday, September 21, with the small rink ready to go by Monday, October 5.