Sep 01, 2021 | Mike Anderson | 596 views
HOCKEY UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 1 2021
Hockey Season Update -
The ENSMHA Board continues to plan our upcoming
season. In the ever changing world of covid we need to be prepared for changes
as they can happen quickly. Our hope and goal is to offer as normal a season as
possible for the 21/22 season.
If you plan to play and have not registered,
please register asap as planning can be difficult enough giving the
current situation.
COVID
Parents of all divisions, whether Rep or Local League, should be aware that COVID mandates are being instituted in several Ontario locations. The GTA (Toronto), London and Town of Leamington have all recently advised that all players, coaches, staff and spectators will be required to be fully vaccinated to enter their respective arenas, or require a negative COVID test within 12 hours of visiting the facility. Leamington has mandated their policy to be effective September 8, 2021.
Town of Kingsville and Town of Essex (Harrow) have not announced these requirements at this time but it is possible that a similar mandate could be released in the near future. Although we understand that decisions to vaccinate are personal family decisions, decisions by our public health unit and municipalities on arena access rules will be required for us to follow as an ice user. The OHF (Ontario Hockey Federation) encourages all Ontario Minor Hockey Associations to fully vaccinate players, volunteers, staff, families and fans. Since the timeline for vaccinations and arena policies/season starting may become an issue, ENSMHA recommends all players (12 and over), staff and parents/guardians who plan to attend the arenas consider their options as they may be subject to restrictions and/or COVID testing prior to entry into some facilities.
Season Update
Bluewater Rep schedules have been set with regular season to start in early October. A Rep tryouts will begin on September 27, 2021. AE tryouts will begin after A tryouts if there is sufficient interest at those levels. Stay tuned for schedules.
Local League Board are scheduled to meet in mid September with the expectation of a season start around October 18, 2021. LL Teams will be formed in early October once rep tryout teams are set and final numbers are known.
To bridge the gap in time, all players will be assigned to Pre-skate groups that will have 2 ice times per week starting on September 7, These groups and times will be posted by Sunday September 5. All U8 to U18 players should expect to have ice starting week of September 7.
Ip/Tyke program (U7 and below) is expected to start on or around Saturday September 25, Stay tuned to the website for more information. Watch the website for further updates.
Gary Toupin President, Erie North Shore Minor Hockey Association