The MJHL continues to prepare for restart in the New Year and has developed a Restart Action Plan that will be initiated once it is deemed safe to do so and Provincial restrictions allow for it.
In addition to the established and extensive MJHL Return to Play Guidelines already in place, a number of key elements have been identified in the MJHL Restart Action Plan to allow for a safe and responsible Return to Hockey. The MJHL remains optimistic that teams will have the opportunity to provide on-ice training activity for their players during the latter half of January with return to game play targeted for early-to-mid February. However, with the current restrictions in place for several more weeks across the Province, the MJHL cannot confirm a specific start date at this time but will remain flexible to all potential restart timelines.
Key Elements of Restart Action Plan:
Players / Staff to complete 14-day self-isolation period before participating in team activities.
Players / Staff to follow detailed travel procedures before reporting to the community / organization.
Teams to provide ten to fourteen day modified training period for Players / Staff once 14-day self-isolation phase has been completed in advance of resuming games.
All new players added to the roster would be required to complete 14-day self-isolation period before participating in any team activities.
Each team will play minimum two games a week against the same team and will play the same team minimum four times in a row over consecutive weekends.
Each team will only play teams from the same public health region, same division and/or of closest proximity based on regional restrictions at that time.
Each team will schedule games to be played during the weekend (Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday).
Regular Season will be extended until the end of April to allow for further schedule and game play flexibility.
Playoff format will be reviewed over the coming weeks.
The MJHL successfully returned to conducting on-ice activity in July and to date has completed over 60 games since game play began in late September.
“Our goal remains the same as in September, to provide a meaningful development season for the players through knowingly very challenging circumstances while continuing to exhaust all options in order to do so in a safe, structured and sensible manner,” said MJHL Commissioner, Kevin Saurette.
“The MJHL and all member teams will continue to meet each challenge head on in what has already been a monumental effort by all involved. The health and safety of our players, staff, stakeholders and communities remains our number one priority as we carefully navigate a responsible and beneficial pathway to restart training and on-ice competition.”
The MJHL will continue to consult with Public Health and Hockey Manitoba over the coming weeks to determine when it is appropriate to initiate the MJHL Restart Action Plan for a Return to Hockey.
The MJHL Board of Governors will meet early in the New Year to consider potential start dates and further restart activation planning.
The MJHL would like to thank the players, coaches, team personnel, officials, fans, partners and volunteers across the MJHL for their amazing support and efforts during unprecedented conditions to ensure the health and safety of the entire MJHL Community. The MJHL and all member teams will continue to strive towards providing a safe and healthy environment for all involved.
On behalf of the MJHL, please have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season as we all look forward to getting back on the ice in 2021! When the time comes, the MJHL will be ready!