SPRMHA Hockey Update

Members,

With the hockey season upon us, we know there is a lot of wonder and questions around what the 2020-2021 hockey season will look like. The Hockey PEI Board of Directors has recently approved the recommendation to move forward to Phase 2 of the Return to Hockey Plan, effective September 15, 2020. Each association is to submit an Operation Plan to the Chief Public Health Office and Hockey PEI before the commencement of any on-ice hockey activity. This task has been completed by SPRMHA. Therefore, this means we can proceed with the following Phase II on-ice activities. We see this as a very positive step in the "safe" return to hockey. The Executive Team is currently working on a plan to offer "modified" conditioning camps and tryouts as per Phase II guidelines. More information on this to follow in the coming days.

Phase II On-ice Activities:

• On-ice physical distancing where at all possible
• Skill development and drills progress to competitive
• Player evaluation and team selection can begin
• Off-ice training
• Limited use of bench (physical distancing)

We are also required to work closely with our facilities - Cody Banks, Simmons, Bell Aliant Centre, and Eastlink Centre and follow any guidelines and protocols identified within their Operational Plans. This task is currently ongoing.

Facility Guidelines/Protocols:

These will include, but not limited to:

• A maximum number of players/coaches allowed on the ice at one time
• A maximum number of players per dressing room
• Protocols around entering/exiting the facilities
• Restrictions on spectators (this is determined by the facilities and may be different per facility)
• Required social distancing, contact tracing and handwashing protocols.
• Players coming to the facilities fully or partially dressed.

*Each facility may have a different Operational Plan and different guidelines and protocols, which are subject to change.

As we have seen over the past couple of months, things are continuously evolving and changing as it relates to COVID19 guidelines and protocols. This will no doubt, require the Association and facilities to adapt and change plans quickly. Therefore, we ask for your patience and understanding, as we navigate through these unprecedented times. We are confident, we are heading in the right direction, for a return to hockey as we know it. 

We will continue to update you as we receive more information on the next phases of the HPEI Return to Hockey Plan.

If you have any questions, concerns or would simply like to provide feedback, please send an email to sprmha@hotmail.com

Sincerely 

SPRMHA Executive Team