http://www.hockeyedmonton.ca/article/68537

Hockey Edmonton and its member organizations are excited by the return to the rinks this fall to watch our youth play the game we all love. We are committed to ensuring a fun and safe environment for the kids so we are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely as we enter the 2021-2022 hockey season.

Hockey Alberta has released an update regarding the new season and the pandemic, which can be found here. We continue to work with our partners at Hockey Alberta, Hockey Canada, the Government of Alberta, the City of Edmonton and our member organizations to effectively manage the situation.

We realize players, parents, coaches and volunteers have varying levels of risk tolerance. We also know the most effective weapon in the battle against COVID is the vaccine. If they haven’t already done so, we strongly urge eligible players, parents, coaches and all other team officials to be double vaccinated as soon as possible. It is the best, scientifically proven way to avoid contracting COVID. It also reduces the effects of the symptoms should you get the virus. It also removes potential roadblocks to some player or team movement (ie. player called up to a junior squad).

The Edmonton Federation Hockey League has some additional measures that should be taken to address the concerns of everyone as best as possible and ensure each other’s health and safety. They can be found here. We realize this adds more responsibility to parents and team officials, particularly coaches, who we can’t thank enough for all they do, especially during this demanding time. We are truly grateful for their commitment to the players.

Indeed, our sport relies on a community to make minor hockey a success. We need to work together better than ever to ensure we provide a safe and fun environment for everyone as we embark on the 2021-2022 season.

We will continue to watch the situation and have updates closer to the start of the season of further potential measures that could be put into practice in order to reduce the risk of transmission.

We believe if we all work together in the best interests of everyone we will have a great season of hockey. We thank you for all you do for the kids.