Until the green light is given, little can be firmed up for the 2020-21 season of the Heritage Junior Hockey League (HJHL).

For now, the league is taking a headcount of whether all 14 of the existing clubs will be able to ice a team.

"They've reached out to all the teams to make sure that the funds are there and we can put a team together," explains Kurtis Jones, Cochrane Generals head coach, and manager.

The national and provincial hockey bodies are expected to provide some direction on June 30 as to what will unfold in the fall. But, like most things in this COVID-19 world, that's best guess, and depends upon the decisions of health officials.

What is certain is the Generals will be among those fired up for the season.

Jones says there's a keen interest.

"A lot of guys say they're coming back, although I'm quite not sure of the exact numbers, And then we have a lot of interest of other guys looking to try out."

He hopes to build upon the success of his first season of head coach.

"We should be pretty strong, hopefully. Again, everyone has to buy into the system that we're going to try to teach. Things are going to change. The first year was a learning and teaching experience for me."

"With the majority returning, they know me and I know them. I think it will go a little bit smoother than it did this year. "

He's being modest about the momentum the Gens built by season's end.

When the plug was pulled,  the Gens were threatening to knock-off the powerhouse Okotoks Bisons in the HJHL south final.