COVID Update
Submitted By Snugent on Thu 08 06, 20
STMHA is starting to plan the upcoming hockey season. Below are some bullets on the general plan our association will be offering. STMHA needs to follow the Ontario Hockey Federation's (OHF) Return to Hockey Framework. To access this document
CLICK HERE
The OHF is taking a cautious approach to Return to Hockey(RTH). Throughout the article they mention maximum number of people allowed on the ice at any one time. An important thing to remember is that this is their recommendation only. STMHA must abide by the capacity limits set by the City and by our Public Heath Unit. There are no exceptions to those limits.
Some key points:
- modified hockey..will be 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 with the hope of getting to 5 on 5 at some point (please reference Stage 3a-3e in OHF document)
- no body contact will be allowed
- some modified rules as it is hockey's goal to try and limit close interaction, social distancing must be present on the bench, in the dressing room (if we are granted dressing room access), rules implemented to decrease the number of face-offs etc
- rosters to start the year will be the rosters that ended last year..example if you ended last year on the U12 team (Minor Peewee), you will start on that same team this year
- at some point this year it could be deemed by provincial government and the OHF that tryouts are permitted...at that point teams will be dissolved and tryouts will occur
- the main focus of this year needs to be development in nature, a return to "normal hockey" might not occur
- there is a good chance that there will be no spectators allowed until the government increases the 50 person indoor maximum
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very important all players and parents follow all protocols put in place to ensure we get to continue to play hockey in whatever form
It is STMHA's hope that programming will start in September. Again, this is not STMHA's call, we have to wait until all authorities approve the opening of the arena, as of right now we have not been told a date. We are asking you to please get registered. You do not have to pay up front as we do not know the cost involved as of now. STMHA will be working with the City and local health authorities to set up and communicate all safety protocols that will be in place to ensure the safe return to hockey.
If you have any questions, please submit to
[email protected]
We will compile a list of questions and post a FAQ on our website at a later date. Please get registered and keep checking website frequently for updates.
Thanks
STMHA Board of Directors