Hockey Canada has offered more insight into getting their sanctioned leagues back on the ice for the 2020-21 season.
The organization released a statement Thursday from chief executive officer Tom Renney and president and chief operating officer Scott Smith on the return-to-hockey process in Canada, which will affect the game at all levels, including minor, junior and senior hockey.
“On March 12, the decision was made to cancel all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities across the country,” the news release said. “This was a difficult decision, but one made to maintain the health and safety of all participants and the general public amid growing concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”
Currently there are no Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities being conducted, and they are working with members on return-to-hockey plans. After ongoing discussions with the board of directors, the chief medical officer, the 13 members and public health authorities across the country, it has been determined that the best approach for a return to hockey in Canada is to allow each member, such as the Saskatchewan Hockey Association, the opportunity to work with authorities in their respective regions to determine when it is safe to return to the ice in areas that fall under their jurisdiction.
“We expect the timing of each member’s return to hockey will be different, but will be based on the advice of their government and public health authority,” the news release said.
Hockey Canada says it is not ready to return to the game across the country. As they have seen in respect to flattening the curve, the impact of the pandemic varies from region to region. Permitting members the opportunity to decide on an appropriate return-to-hockey timeline will allow them to work directly with public health authorities to determine when it is safe to return while also implementing specific safety measures and rules within their associations and leagues.
Hockey Canada knows the game will look quite different, and the return will happen at different speeds and at different times across the country. They continue to work on their multi-faceted return-to-hockey plan that includes health and safety regulations, communications and seasonal structure.
As with so many people across the country, they look forward to returning to the game when it is safe to do so, and they will support their 13 members as they continue to work towards getting back on the ice.
