Return to Hockey information for Ontario
COVID-19 updates for Hockey Northwestern Ontario, Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Eastern Ontario players, parents, coaches, officials and volunteers
The following information pertains to a model that has been put into effect to prepare leagues and hockey associations to reopen. These plans are very dynamic and rely on ongoing assessment of the current COVID-19 situation within provinces and territories.
Provincial Guidelines & Restrictions
Ontario’s plan to begin to responsibly lift public health measures and restart the economy will be guided by the advice of the chief medical officer of health and public health officials, and will be based on the following principles:
- Protecting those in Ontario.
- Informed by evidence.
- Sufficient health system capacity to respond to any resurgence in COVID‑19 infections.
- Public health capacity for rigorous testing, timely contact tracing and case management.
- Measures will be implemented quickly, clearly and efficiently, based on health capacity, safety and economic needs, and the need to tighten or restrict measures if surges or further outbreaks occur.
- Plans and responsibilities for individuals, employers and the healthcare system will be clear, well-communicated by government and ready to implement.
The government will reopen businesses and public spaces gradually. This will be based on the advice of the chief medical officer of health, including the criteria and thresholds detailed above. Each stage will last for approximately two-to-four-week periods to allow for close monitoring of any impacts or potential resurgence of cases.
After each period, the chief medical officer of health may advise to:
- Reapply or tighten certain public health measures in response to a surge in cases or outbreaks;
- Maintain status quo and continue close monitoring of impacts; or
- Progress to the next two-to-four-week period.
Information on provincial requirements continues to change. Hockey Canada recommends checking the following resources regularly.
Ontario Relaunch Information
A Framework for Re-opening Our Province (pdf)
Re-opening Ontario in stages
Hockey Canada statement on Return to Hockey in Canada
CALGARY, Alta. – The following is a statement on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, on the return-to-hockey process in Canada.
“On March 12, the decision was made to cancel all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities across the country. 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 we are working with our Members on their return-to-hockey plans. After ongoing discussions with the board of directors, our 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 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.
It is imperative to note that we are not ready to return to the game across the country. As we have seen in respect to flattening the curve, the impact of the pandemic varies from region to region. Permitting our 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. Be assured, we continue to work on our multi-faceted return-to-hockey plan that includes health and safety regulations, communications and seasonal structure. As with so many people across the country, we look forward to returning to the game when it is safe to do so, and we will support our 13 Members as we continue to work towards getting back on the ice.”
For more information on the Return to Hockey plan, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/returntohockey.