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WHCL Winter 2020-2021 Announcement
2020-10-23
Winter 20/21 Update
Dear WinSport Hockey Canada League teams,
I trust everyone who participated in our fall mini-league enjoyed being back on the ice. Thanks to everyone’s care and attention in following the safety measures, we have been successful in avoiding any significant COVID-19 outbreaks at WinSport facilities so far. We appreciate your diligence.
We are now ready to start the modified winter league season for November to April. Please read this email and FAQ carefully for details about the modifications necessary due to COVID-19, as well as important information such as pricing.
The maximum roster size for each team will be 12, up from 11 during our fall mini-league. We recognize this is still smaller than most teams would like. In good news, we are going back to two referees, and once again allowing stoppages in play. Faceoffs will be reintroduced and games will be one hour in duration. Further details around rules of play, dressing rooms, showers etc. are in the FAQ.
Our COVID-19 adaptations are planned in careful consultation with Alberta Health Services and local and international authorities. We are paying close attention to the data, including a recent report by the U.S. Centre for Disease Control on an outbreak associated with a recreational hockey game in Florida in June. We are confident that the control measures in place at WinSport arenas will keep our hockey community safe.
From the results of the survey sent out by Anna Stathakis earlier this fall, we know that many of you are missing “real hockey” (to quote a participant). Some of you have pointed out that other Calgary leagues are allowing larger rosters. However, WinSport operates multiple arenas and other facilities at Canada Olympic Park, which is one of Calgary’s premier winter sport destinations. Our low risk tolerance is essential to avoiding outbreaks that could shut us down, impacting thousands of local athletes. As the “second wave” continues to advance, we are also working to avoid the more severe restrictions on hockey leagues that are now impacting players in Ontario and Quebec.
The WHCL remains a premium adult recreational hockey experience. We appreciate your patience with these restrictions, and we hope to welcome you back next month.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Konopaki
Executive Director, Sport
WinSport
I trust everyone who participated in our fall mini-league enjoyed being back on the ice. Thanks to everyone’s care and attention in following the safety measures, we have been successful in avoiding any significant COVID-19 outbreaks at WinSport facilities so far. We appreciate your diligence.
We are now ready to start the modified winter league season for November to April. Please read this email and FAQ carefully for details about the modifications necessary due to COVID-19, as well as important information such as pricing.
The maximum roster size for each team will be 12, up from 11 during our fall mini-league. We recognize this is still smaller than most teams would like. In good news, we are going back to two referees, and once again allowing stoppages in play. Faceoffs will be reintroduced and games will be one hour in duration. Further details around rules of play, dressing rooms, showers etc. are in the FAQ.
Our COVID-19 adaptations are planned in careful consultation with Alberta Health Services and local and international authorities. We are paying close attention to the data, including a recent report by the U.S. Centre for Disease Control on an outbreak associated with a recreational hockey game in Florida in June. We are confident that the control measures in place at WinSport arenas will keep our hockey community safe.
From the results of the survey sent out by Anna Stathakis earlier this fall, we know that many of you are missing “real hockey” (to quote a participant). Some of you have pointed out that other Calgary leagues are allowing larger rosters. However, WinSport operates multiple arenas and other facilities at Canada Olympic Park, which is one of Calgary’s premier winter sport destinations. Our low risk tolerance is essential to avoiding outbreaks that could shut us down, impacting thousands of local athletes. As the “second wave” continues to advance, we are also working to avoid the more severe restrictions on hockey leagues that are now impacting players in Ontario and Quebec.
The WHCL remains a premium adult recreational hockey experience. We appreciate your patience with these restrictions, and we hope to welcome you back next month.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Konopaki
Executive Director, Sport
WinSport