We have put together some answers to questions we have been receiving regarding the upcoming season. Hopefully they will help clear up any confusion regarding this up coming season.
We will continue to update this list of questions as we get closer to the start of our season.
If you don't see your question on the list, please join us for the Town Hall this week and ask it there!
* As the situation evolves and if protocols change then EGMHA will consider changes to programs at all levels accordingly
REGISTRATION / PLAYER MOVEMENT
Can my child apply for a release from their association?
Players have the option of playing with the association they were rostered to during the 2019-2020 season or returning to their home association. There will be no new player movement for the 2020-21 season.
I have recently received an email regarding leagues held at a private facility (e.g. 3 on 3). Can my child play in a one of those leagues and EGMHA at the same time?
The OMHA has been provided direction from the OHF, that if a business is offering programming that the OHF/OMHA are providing, according to the OHF Unsanctioned League Policy, after September 30th, the player would have to choose between programs. If the player opts to continue to participate in the unsanctioned league then the player would need to appeal if they wish to come back to OHF programming after October 1.
Each family needs to make the decision on what is best for their child in terms of where to play but we want to ensure that families are making informed decisions. To be clear, if your child is participating in an unsanctioned league, they will lose all privileges with the OHF for the remainder of the season and will have to apply for reinstatement from Hockey Canada at the end of the season.
What is the difference between a sanctioned and unsanctioned league?
An unsanctioned league includes any amateur hockey league that operates in Canada (e.g. private facility league) outside the auspices/sanctioning of Hockey Canada. Leagues within the OMHA (e.g. EGMHA, YSMHL, SRLL) are considered sanctioned leagues.
Development programs, such as goalie schools, power skating, hockey camps, and High School Hockey are NOT considered unsanctioned hockey.
Refer to the OHF Policy on unsanctioned leagues for more information.
Can I still register my child with EGMHA for the 2020-21 season?
Registration is now closed for all divisions.
Please contact EGMHA Registrar, Cathy Kopsala @ [email protected] for any registration related inquires.
What is the cost to register for EGMHA this season?
The registration costs have been determined for the season based on one practice and one game a week for all U8 and above divisions except for the U18 division. After a two-week development period, that division will play two games a week, with no practices, the higher registration fee is for the cost of officials for the second game. The U7 division pricing is based on a shorter season and no games.
U7 Division: $575
U8 to U15 Divisions: $700
U18 Division: $800
In order to keep costs as low as possible, we have removed team pictures, house league gifts and development clinics from the budget. We hope as more ice becomes available to hold extra Development Clinics for all U8 and above divisions, these would be an added cost that would be paid separately when you register for the clinic.
Please note: if sometime this season we can return to traditional hockey as outlined in the OHF Return to Hockey Framework (e.g. rep and local league) there would be additional costs for those participating in those programs.
ROSTERS AND SEASONAL STRUCTURE
When will the season start?
The EGMHA 2020-21 season will start on September 21, 2020 for the U8 and above divisions. It is our intent that the U7 Division would start in mid-October, those plans are still being finalized, we are hoping by then that restrictions will have eased enough to allow one parent to accompany their player in the arena. Please continue to check the EGMHA website for updates.
The week of September 14th, EGMHA intends to run some Return to Hockey clinics for players in the U8 and above age groups. These sessions would be an additional cost on top of your registration fee and will require separate registration.
The plans for our season structure and clinics are subject to change as they are dependent on receiving approval from OMHA on our Return to Hockey plan.
What will rosters look like?
Teams will be rostered to a maximum of 9 players + 1 goalie. We are unsure at this time, how many bench staff will be rostered to each team, however we should note, only one Coach and one Trainer can be on the bench during modified games in order to maintain physical distancing on the bench.
What will seasonal structure be for the 2020-2021 season?
At this time, players will be grouped to a maximum of 50 or less in accordance with the requirements from York Region Public Health Unit and the Ontario Government. The OHF will review the allowable maximum upon amendment by the Ontario Government. The number of 50 refers to players only. Bench Staff are not included in this cohort/bubble.
The EGMHA Return to Hockey plan includes all levels (Rep and House League/Local League).
- At this time, the tiers will comprise an internal house league that will play 4 vs 4 games (or 3 vs 3)
- Players will be placed in tiered age divisions based on the level played in the 2019-2020 season and registration numbers (e.g. mainly Rep players in Tier A and HL/LL players in Tier B).
- The tiers will be comprised of minor and major age players (e.g. U13 tier will include U12 and U13 players).
- Games would only be against teams in the same tier (e.g. U13-Tier A teams only play U13-Tier A teams)
What about Tryouts? Will there be Representative hockey this year?
At this time, there will no traditional representative hockey leagues and no tryouts.
The stages of the OHF Return to Hockey Framework - Phase 2 are described below (as of Sept 1st we are in Stage 3B):
GAME PLAY
Will there be 5-on-5 hockey?
When we return, following the minimum two-week development phase, modified games with no physical contact will begin. At this time, all games will be a 4 vs 4 or 3 vs 3 format in an internal house league. All game play will be conducted in conjunction with York Region Public Health and the Town of East Gwillimbury’s facility protocol and guidelines.
Rules for modified games can be found here: https://egmha.com/Public/Documents/Modified_Rules.pdf
Will score be kept?
EGMHA intends to keep score for modified games, this approach is pending approval from the OMHA.
Will there still be Referees?
Game officials are required for all game play.
Are the modified game formats (3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4) required to be played using modified ice?
U9 & Below is required to be played using a modified ice format. U10 and above divisions can be played using modified ice or full ice.
EGMHA does intend to try and transition the U9 division to full ice in mid-January as per the player pathways program.
SAFETY
Please refer to the Hockey Canada Safety Guidelines and FAQsfor comprehensive information.
What will the process be for entering and exiting our arena?
EGMHA has been working in collaboration with the Town of East Gwillimbury to create procedures and protocols for how players will physically be allowed into and out of the EG Sports Complex. Please see the video the Town of East Gwillimbury has prepared to show the process: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQHEce4bBc-vCdbajWPcoyA?view_as=subscriber
Are masks required to be worn on the ice?
Masks are not required to be worn on the ice. Masks will be required to enter and leave the EG Sports Complex and must stay on until the player puts their helmet on. We are asking players to bring a small plastic zip or re-usable bag to place their mask in when they are on the ice. When they come off the ice, and remove their helmet, they will be required to put their mask back on and leave the facility.
What happens if someone in my cohort/bubble is diagnosed with COVID-19?
We are be required to follow the guidance as set out in the Hockey Canada Return to Hockey Safety Guidelines document.
EGMHA has been working in collaboration with the Town of East Gwillimbury to create procedures and protocols what will happen in this situation that aligns with the Hockey Canada document. This will be included in our Return to Hockey plan which must be approved by OMHA, once we receive approval, we will share with parents and a copy of the plan will be posted on our website.
What do I do if my child tests positive for COVID-19?
Hockey Canada advises that you should keep your child home and out of the hockey environment. It is also important to communicate with your physician and public health authority, ensuring you follow the steps identified. EGMHA has been working in collaboration with the Town of East Gwillimbury to identify the steps we should be following in this situation. This will be included in our Return to Hockey plan which must be approved by OMHA, once we receive approval, we will share with parents and a copy of the plan will be posted on our website.
What if a parent/family member tests positive for COVID-19? What protocols do we follow?
Hockey Canada advises if a parent or family member tests positive for COVID–19, the player and their family will need to stay out of the hockey environment. They should contact their physician and public health authority for instructions. EGMHA has been working in collaboration with the Town of East Gwillimbury to identify the steps we should be following in this situation. This will be included in our Return to Hockey plan which must be approved by OMHA, once we receive approval, we will share with parents and a copy of the plan will be posted on our website.
If someone on my child’s team tests positive for COVID-19, will the team be allowed to continue to play hockey?
Hockey Canada advises if someone on your child’s team tests positive, public health authority guidelines will determine contact tracing and isolation requirements. It is possible, therefore, that one diagnosis on a team could lead to that team being required to pause hockey activities until the public health authority determines it is safe to return.
EGMHA has been working in collaboration with the Town of East Gwillimbury to identify the steps we should be following in this situation. This will be included in our Return to Hockey plan which must be approved by OMHA, once we receive approval, we will share with parents and a copy of the plan will be posted on our website.
What if my child is sick but does not have COVID-19?
Hockey Canada advises the player should follow up with their physician and the public health line. EGMHA has been working in collaboration with the Town of East Gwillimbury to identify the steps we should be following in this situation. This will be included in our Return to Hockey plan which must be approved by OMHA, once we receive approval, we will share with parents and a copy of the plan will be posted on our website.
Will parents be allowed in the stands to watch practices or games?
This is determined by York Region Public Health and the Town of East Gwillimbury facility guidelines. For the short term, no, parents will not be allowed in the EG Sports Complex. Please be assured that EGMHA has been working in collaboration with the Town of East Gwillimbury to identify when parents would be allowed in the complex to watch practices or games. We will provide update to parents when restrictions are eased to allow parents into the facility. When that time comes, families should be prepared to minimize the number of parents/guardians/spectators that attend in order to limit the number of people in the facility.
**Please note, that as more information becomes available, we will be updating these answers and adding more questions if required.