Okay, we all know that I could write a novel about all the sports stories, teams and leagues that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Let's face it, that would be just depressing right?
Instead let's try to focus on some of the positive sports stories that happened in the crazy, horrible year we like to call 2020.
RYAN HUNTER - Hey, let's face it, 2020 started out extremely awesome for Ryan Hunter. The offensive lineman with the Kansas City Chiefs ended up winning the Super Bowl as the Chiefs knocked off the San Fransisco 49ers 31-20 way away pre-pandemic back on February 2.
JAIMEE BULL - This North Bay waterskier was actually able to compete during this weird sports year. In fact, she achieved a U21 waterskiing world record! In August, Jaimee completed the 10.75m pass for the first time in competition and ran 1@ 10.25 m en-route to her first Pro-level tournament victory at Hilltop Lake near Seattle. The world record was made official in early December. Good job Jaimee!
BRANDON COE - Okay, so I have to admit this North Bay Battalion player had his season spoiled but he had a great start to 2020 before the pandemic put the OHL season on ice in March. The 6'4" power forward who netted 25 goals in 2019-20, ended up getting selected in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks.
JASON KOKRAK - Jason may not be a North Bay household name but the PGA golfer helped put the city on the map this summer. The American PGA golfer who grew up in Ohio, was born in North Bay while his family was on vacation. The veteran who was in his tenth year on the tour finally won his first PGA tournament victory at the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas in mid-October. While Kokrak did not spend a lot of time in North Bay he does have a number of aunts, uncles and cousins in the North Bay area.
BARCLAY GOODROW - Okay, I'm a Stars fan so as much as I loved covering and watching Barclay Goodrow's career grow, I could not cheer for him in the Stanley Cup final. The first North Bay Battalion captain was traded from San Jose to Tampa at the February trade deadline and was expected to be a missing piece to help take the Lightning over the top. Of course, Goodrow's Bolts won the Cup in six games over the Stars. It was significant because not only is he the first-ever North Bay Battalion player to hoist the cup, he is also the first player in Battalion history to do so.
The good point of all these athletes is they were able to achieve something very significant in this crazy year where the majority of the sports world stopped.
Let's hope that I have a huge amount to choose from when I write the 2021 version of this story.
Happy New Year everyone and a happy new year for sports!
