As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, Quinte News is continuing to check in with some members of the Belleville Senators whose franchise record breaking season was stopped in its tracks. We wanted to find out how they’re handling the situation where they are and what it’s like being isolated from teammates, friends and family.
Up next is a conversation with rookie forward Alex Formenton, who was among the leagues points leaders when the season was paused. We spoke to him from his parents home in Barrie, Ontario, to see how he’s doing.
QN: Let’s go back to when the season was paused after the game in Laval on March 11, what was the reaction?
AF: It was a bit of a shock. We played that game in Laval and had been taking precautions before that game, washing our hands and stuff, but kind of got serious when the NBA decided to shut its season down. We got word about that after the game and we starting wondering about what would happen with our league and the NHL, it all kind of came pretty quick, but obviously safety and health is the main focus.
QN: Does the seriousness of this virus and the fact that all sports leagues have taken the same stance lessen the blow of the sudden halt?
AF: It’s a pretty severe subject if you look at the casualties and the cases of it, obviously we want to shut it down as soon as possible. It’s bigger than sports and while I’m sure every single player sitting at home wants to play but shutting this down has to be the main focus.
QN: Is it more disappointing or frustrating for you, given the individual success you were finding in your rookie season?
AF: Obviously it is a tough way to finish if it is cancelled. It’s difficult to be having a good year like that and maybe have it come to an end like that, but I’m not done yet. I want to continue this into next year and keep progressing, so that’s just the start. I want to bring that into the summer, work at the things I can get better at and bring that into next year.
QN: If the season starts again do you have a preference of how things would go? Would you prefer to go right into playoffs, or finish the regular season?
AF: I’m not too sure to be honest. I’ve just been working out and keeping my brain healthy and sharp for whatever comes. If we come back I want to still be in game shape and keep my mind on the game, but obviously safety comes first and if we have to shut down the season I’ll just keep working out and get ready for next year.
QN: How long do you think realistically it would take to get things going again?
AF: You’re trying to stay in shape as much as possible in your home gym strength wise and obviously all the rinks are closed. I think a good week or so on the ice, just to get your feet back under you, should be enough to be ready to go.
QN: Are you keeping in touch with the guys?
AF: Yeah we’re all checking in on each other and making sure everyone is staying safe, so that’s been good.
QN: What else have you been up to pass the time?
AF: I’m at my Mom and Dad’s house so I’ve been spending a lot of time with my brother and family, trying to stay sharp, keeping up with the workouts and stuff like that. Other than that, just trying to have some fun with it, playing mini sticks with my Dad, he’s up 3-0 in our seven-game series so I’m trying to come back there with a reverse sweep. We’ve also been playing Monopoly and that gets pretty intense, but it’s a lot of fun.
QN: Do you have any messages for people out there working, or for the fans, during the layoff?
AF: I’d just say to take this as seriously as possible. It’s a big deal, but I think we’re doing a good job at trying to get rid of it as soon as possible and get back to hockey.
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Coming up Friday we’ll finish our mini series by checking in with Head Coach Troy Mann, to see how he, his wife and daughter are handling the situation.
