News on Season Start
On behalf of the WWHSHL Executive, I hope all readers are well and safe as we adjust to this new pandemic normal. We are looking forward to a hockey season for 2021-22, and are waiting for information from school divisions and other key stakeholders to determine what it might look like in terms of teams, divisions, duration and so on. However, we plan to have as normal a season as possible. We expect the website to be updated after the first league meeting next week.
What we know for sure is that the health and well-being of our League community is our utmost importance. During the season, all participants, officials and fans must follow current MB Government Public Health Protocols as issued. Current protocols as of September 3 are noted below. Government Public Health Orders may also be augmented by additional policies put in place by school divisions, arenas and other stakeholders. We will try to keep you as informed as possible as we proceed, and we would ask that you do the same.
And lastly, with no season in 2020-21, this school year we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary of the League. Stay tuned for more details!
Key Dates:
September 28 - Intent to Play, Player & Division Declaration Deadline, First League Meeting
October 1 - 7 Pre-Season Division Alignment Tournament
October 12 - 15 Roster Submissions & Player Registrations
October 18 - 23 Roster Verification
October 25 - Season Start
Covid Protocols for the Season
In short - * Full Vaccination * 100% Symptom Free * Mask Use
New Manitoba Health public health orders took effect Sept. 3, 2021. In accordance with the new orders, we will require all individuals age of 18 and over to be fully vaccinated. The province’s vaccination requirement currently does not include individuals between the ages of 12-17 related to youth sports. This vaccination requirement applies to all parents, coaches, referees, and spectators over the age of 18 with no exceptions. Proof of full immunization (2 doses of Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine, two weeks prior) and photo ID will be required to enter Bell MTS Iceplex and may be required in rinks across the province. A list of government-issued photo ID and the following documents are considered proof of immunization in Manitoba:
- Manitoba Immunization Card
- National Defense Canada COVID-19 Vaccine Card/Record;
- Canada Public Health Association (CPHA) Travel Vaccination Record;
- An official document issued within a Canadian province or territory containing information of a person’s COVID-19 vaccination history; or
- International travelers’ immunization documentation submitted to Canadian border service officials and government-issued photo identification that confirms citizenship.
Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a fully immunized caregiver who is over the age of 18. Participants under the age of 18 who cannot be accompanied by a parent or guardian will be the responsibility of their individual coach or team manager while in various facilities.
In addition to the new vaccination requirement, all visitors to arenas over the age of 5 are required to wear a mask that covers both the mouth and nose at all times, unless actively participating on the ice, or actively eating and drinking. Gaiters, bandanas, and face coverings with exhalation vents are not considered to be sufficient and a face shield still requires a face covering. Participants must wear their mask upon entering facilities and until they leave the changeroom, as well as upon leaving the ice after their activity, and until exiting the building. Coaches and referees are required to wear a mask at all times, including while coaching from the bench, except when on the ice. Spectators are required to wear a mask at all times, unless actively eating or drinking. For the safety of everyone in attendance, guests unable to wear an approved mask will not be admitted to Bell MTS and may not be allowed to enter other venues as well.
We continue to follow all public health orders and will provide as much info as possible. Given the nature of the pandemic, however, these changes may at times take effect with little notice.
Example of Arena Measures: BellMTSIceplex.ca/bell-mts-iceplex-health-safety
