Temporary Cancellation of Sanctioned Games

Last evening the VIAHA Officers and MHA Presidents met in a special Executive Committee meeting to discuss the path forward for Hockey on Vancouver Island and in Powell River.

There are an increasing number of positive Covid-19 cases in the District and, while there have been a very small number of these in the Minor Hockey community, we cannot be complacent and take the position that there is little risk to our players and their families. We have had an increasing number of teams who are reluctant to travel to other MHAs to play hockey or to host teams from other MHAs citing the risk of transmission. We are cognizant of these concerns. We also see the effects that the rapid spread of the virus has had on hockey in the Fraser Health and Coastal Health Regions and would like to avoid a similar situation in our District.

A motion was passed that, effective immediately, all hockey games in the District are cancelled and no new games will be scheduled before December 1, 2020. This was not an easy decision for the Presidents to make but the health and well-being of our players and their families must be paramount.

Teams will be permitted to continue to practice at a phase 3 level when one team on the ice. In those situations where practice ice is shared, such as recreational teams, the two teams must be from the same cohort and combined drills and scrimmages at phase 3 level are permitted. Games with on ice Officials are not permitted.

In her press conference this afternoon the provincial Health Office stated that sports could continue at the phase 3 level however travel is being restricted until December 7, 2020. The Executive Committee will continue to monitor the situation. We expect new guidelines from viaSport shortly and will update the membership when this becomes available.

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