Aug 30, 2020 | Amy Bickmore | 2531 views
Season Details
As an Executive, we know that many of you have been waiting for more details on to what the 2020/21 season will look like and we thank you for your patience.
Information is being released daily by our governing body, OMHA. We have been waiting to release information until we were sure we could answer most of your questions.
We know that this year has been financially challenging for many. With that in mind, one of the first decisions the Executive made was to not raise registration fees from last year. It should be noted that while our fees were held, our ice rental fees did increase by 2%, as they do every year.
Teams will be structured into 9 players + 1 goalie. OMHA has set out this regulation, so this will force us to move players around this year. Some players may be asked to play up or down a level to assist in accommodating this structure. Once teams are set, there will be NO player movement for any reason. Teams will be in bubbles of 50 cohorts for the season. Otonabee Minor Hockey cannot guarantee that friends will have the opportunity to play together this year, as ensuring everyone is tiered appropriately and on the ice is our first priority.
There will be no league play, as in past years. Both the traditional Rep and Leo leagues are not operating this year, however in conjunction with other local centers, we are in the process of organizing a tiered level of play. Players will be sorted in to A and B teams (where applicable) and play other teams of the same caliber. This is anticipated to start in November. Otonabee Minor Hockey is currently working on rosters and will base tiered level of play from feedback from last season's coaches
As of right now, the season will start right after Thanksgiving. This could be delayed or happen earlier, as it depends on when the arena installs the ice surface, but we will keep you updated should that happen.
Each team will be on the ice twice a week, just as in other years.
We will be following the guidelines set by the Township and Health Unit.
Each player will be required to complete an on-line Covid-19 assessment prior to stepping into the arena. A staff member of your child's team will receive players at the door to ensure this assessment is done and other safety protocols are being followed. No entrance to the arena will be allowed if the online assessment is not complete. Players MUST wear a mask when entering and exiting the arena. If your child needs to leave the ice surface for any reason, such as needing to use the washroom, you will be called to escort them and your child will not be permitted back on the ice for the remainder of the practice/game.
Under the current OMHA protocols, a maximum of 25 people (including coaches) are allowed on the ice at one time. There will be strict on-ice physical distancing with limited or normal use of the bench. Every player is responsible for bringing their own water bottles, as they will not be provided by teams this year and they MUST be labelled with a name, as no sharing will be permitted. Currently, there will be no use of organization-owned goalie equipment this year, due to sanitation reasons.
Please check our website often and subscribe to ensure you are getting current updates. We will post updates as required to both our website and Facebook page should situations change.