Dec 15, 2020 | Michael Heffernan | 1187 views
OMHA 5 vs. 5 Announcement Clarification
Members,
Earlier this week the OHF granted the OMHA special permission to allow modified 5vs 5 in areas not in Grey or Red zones. There is no change to the OHF Return to Play level we are currently at; we are still in Stage 2 Phase 3B at this point. What this announcement is doing, is allowing the OMHA to grant some areas and associations to play modified 5 vs 5 in their current 4 vs 4 bubbles. For this to happen the local Public Health Unit and the Regional OMHA managers must accept and allow this for each association upon their separate application.
The bubbles must also stay as they are in their current 50 player maximum and teams would be capped at 10 skaters and 1 goalie for the new 5 vs 5. The new regulations will be difficult, as the current bubbles of 50 have an even 9 skaters and 1 goalie currently under OHF protocol. There are many unknows at this point and the numbers across Ontario continue to grow. The PHA is looking for more information and guidance on this report from the OMHA and Peterborough Health Unit.
At this time there will not be any change to our current programming as we are lucky to be on the ice. Remember that Durham, York, Peel, Windsor, and Toronto are all shut down for hockey at this point and we are lucky to be able to still be on the ice for games and practices. We have been able to provide a safe return to hockey, and do not wish to jeopardize the season as Hockey Canada, OHF or OMHA can shut the season down at any time.
COVID drastically impacting minor hockey hasn’t been the case in Peterborough, though a quick scan of the headlines reveals that is not the case in many other jurisdictions:
In the new year if the numbers are lower and there is more guidance from the OMHA and Health unit the PHA executive will look at models to bring hockey back to a more traditional format later in February or March. In the meantime, we will continue with our 4 vs 4 until further notice. If we all continue to be vigilant with our tracking and screening process, we will keep our association on the ice.
We are aware of the OMHA’s new bulletins below and are monitoring the situation as well as keeping communication with PTBO Public Health and OMHA open.
If you have and questions or concerns, please feel free to contact either the VP of Rep or VP Of House League.