The start to this season will be like no other due to
COVID-19 and the guidelines set out by the OHF and the Alliance as well as our
local Heath Board.
The following is the outline on how the season looks, give or take, at this point in time.
· We will be split up into 2 groups of ~12 skaters and two goalies, with 3-4 coaches, set by Alliance Hockey our Governing body for Woodstock Minor Hockey
· Starting October 5th, we will use the first 2 weeks for skill based practices that we will also use as an evaluation period, as set by the Alliance with the guidance of Hockey Canada
· The intent for the next phase will be to split into 4 teams of 6 players and one goalie to play 3 on 3 refereed modified games (no puck drops for example), this phase is determined by the Alliance and our governing Health Board for our region
· Due to health regulations, we will not be handing out jerseys until we reach the above phase
· After January 15th, if we move on to phase 4 as set by the Government of Ontario, Alliance Hockey, and our health board, we hope to move to our full ice 5 v 5 games. Dependant upon the number of players registered at the time, we may have 2 – 4 teams
· Average of 1 hrs of ice time per week, this is due to the lack of ice available within our city and the protocols that have been set in by the Alliance and our local Health Board to limit numbers on each ice surface
· 1 parent per player, if such parent is a rostered volunteer then that is the only parent allowed, this is a rule set out by the Arena of Woodstock
· Things may open sooner, depending on when the Government of Ontario moves into phase 3, but it is going to take the help of everyone following the guidelines set out by our local health board and the Government of Ontario, to help with Social Distancing to keep the spread down
· We will need coaches, assistant coaches and trainers to assist. If you are qualified, please step up and volunteer your time for the kids. If you are not qualified, please send me a note and I can explain the special requirements for qualification for bench staff this year.
· We will also require volunteers to man the sign in table for all players that are checking in to the arena. This is an excellent way to obtain your volunteer bond refund. If you are interested, please contact me for further information.
· Additionally, payment will need to be made prior to stepping on the ice for the first ice time. If you have not yet made arrangements, please contact Pat at the office to do so.
If you have any other questions or concerns please contact myself, Robert Micoli, Director of Bantam, Midget/Juvenile Programming at [email protected]