Hockey PEI Memo - Return to Hockey Plan

Hockey PEI Members,

 As announced by the Chief Public Health Office on Wednesday, January 26th, team practices may resume beginning on January 31st, 2022. Full details on the announced updated Public Health measures as they relate to Hockey are being provided below.

"All team coaching staff and COVID Liaisons have been provided with this information and will be working with the players to resume practices beginning Monday, Jan 31st. At some levels, there will be changes to practice schedules to accommodate the restrictions on the number of participants. Please reach out to your teams if you are unsure of ice times. It's important that all members follow the rules and guidelines listed below to ensure we have a quicker path to returning to gameplay. We will continue to operate on a weekly basis and provide updates as they are received. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

 

Team Practices: Team Practices of up to 20 consistent individuals are permitted as of Jan 31st. The only exceptions to this measure are as follows:

• Team Staff and Volunteers who can maintain physical distancing do not count towards the consistent "number of 20".
• When half-Ice boards are used to split up the ice surface for two groups. The maximum number on each half of the ice is 20 participants and the maximum number in the entire arena area (on‐ice and in the stands) is 50 (Participants, Team Staff, Volunteers and Parents included in this stipulation. See more info below (re: spectators).

Participant Limitations: There are no specific restrictions on being on the ice more than once per day, however if participants are involved with a number of different groups, it is recommended that those participants limit the number of groups they are participating in.

• This does not apply to Team Staff and/or Volunteers; however, it is required that they maintain physical distancing when interacting with their groups.

Game Play, Tournaments & Travel: Game play, tournaments and inter-provincial travel are not permitted for minor hockey at this time. Once Hockey PEI receives an indication on when game play will resume, more information will be distributed regarding an update to its season schedules, operations, and Provincial / Atlantic Championships.

• Further discussions to the abilities of its teams who do participate in inter-provincial league play to come.
• We appreciate our members’ patience on this matter.

Spectators: Depending on your facility and association, spectators may be permitted so as long as they do not exceed a total number of 50 (Participants, Team Staff & Volunteers included). Parents can assist younger participants to get ready for their activity so long as the following is observed:

• Parents must always wear their mask and physical distance as much as possible.
• To support physical distancing, facilities should allow for extra space by allocating additional change rooms (if possible) to larger teams or groups and consider staggering use if possible...(continued)
• Vax pass requirements are still in place for those 19 years of age and older and for groups where there are participants who are both over and under 19 years of age.

*As noted above, some associations may require the use of half-ice boards and split ice surfaces, which will affect their ability to host spectators.*

• Therefore, parents may or may not be permitted to stay and watch the team practice depending on its association and facilities operational needs.
• Members can contact their local Minor Hockey Association for further details.

COVID-19 Positive Test / Exposure Situation: If someone tests positive for COVID-19 on your team, they should let their appropriate team staff contact know and then have the participants work through the scenarios listed in the link below to determine what they are required to do and if they must isolate.

• Link: http://www.princeedwardisland.ca/testedpositive