WINNIPEG, MB – The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) is excited to announce that it is safe to return to sanctioned summer activities .
The MJHL and its 11 member teams have been closely monitoring the re-opening plans for COVID-19 in Manitoba. In early June, Hockey Canada determined that the best approach for a return to hockey in Canada is to allow each member and organization the opportunity to work with health authorities in their respective province to determine when it is safe to return to hockey activities.
With Manitoba easing restrictions and allowing indoor and outdoor sporting organized activities to operate again in a phased in and cautious approach, the MJHL has prepared Return to Play Guidelines (RTP) using a phased in approach.
In preparing for the MJHL RTP Guidelines, the MJHL has worked in coordination with Hockey Canada, Hockey Manitoba, Sport Manitoba and the necessary Provincial Health Authorities. We are excited to officially announce that the MJHL Return to Play – Phase I Guidelines have been approved by the Provincial Health Authorities – Return to Sport Review Committee and Sport Manitoba effective immediately.
“This is another exciting and important step that allows the MJHL and member teams the ability to operate as they normally would throughout the summer months,” shared MJHL Director of Operations, Kevin Saurette. “These uncertain times have necessitated specific measures to allow the MJHL and member teams the opportunity to return safely to the sport we all love.”
The MJHL RTP Guidelines allow teams the opportunity to plan, promote and return to sanctioned summer activity in preparation for the upcoming season as it relates to Off-Ice Training Sessions/On-Ice Practice Sessions/Prospect Camps/Development Camps/Training Camps, etc while following all necessary safety guidelines – Players, coaches, managers, staff, training staff and medical personnel employed by, affiliated with or invited by a MJHL team or the MJHL may attend a facility for the purposes of off-ice training activity and on-ice activity.
The guidelines are to allow the MJHL and member teams the ability to conduct summer hockey activities in preparation for the upcoming season in a modified manner. The guidelines do not permit extended contact.
The guidelines have been prepared in accordance to the Hockey Canada Return to Hockey Safety Guidelines as they pertain to Junior Hockey. The guidelines have been prepared in accordance to the recommendations of the Provincial Health Authorities.
The objective of the MJHL Return to Play | Phase I Guidelines is to demonstrate how the MJHL and its member teams plan to return to play in a safe, structured and responsible manner utilizing a phased in approach in accordance with necessary health restrictions and facility guidelines.
As a result, the following clearly defined guidelines and procedures have been recommended to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants – The health and safety for everyone involved is our number one priority.
MJHL Return to Play- Phase 1 – June 26
MJHL Return To Play | PHASE II Guidelines will be presented in the coming days which will include our full plan for return to hockey in September. Our targeted start date for the 2020-21 Season is Friday, September 25th.
“Fundamentally we believe these guidelines put the MJHL, its Member Teams and all participants in the best position to return to sanctioned summer hockey activities in a safe and healthy manner. We look forward to MJHL Hockey returning to the province in September as we continue to work diligently with Hockey Canada, Hockey Manitoba, Sport Manitoba and the necessary Provincial Health Authorities,” Saurette concluded.
