Dear Eagles Families:
I hope everyone is managing
through this difficult period and doing what is necessary to stay healthy. I know that
everyone is looking forward to a return to normalcy. For most of us that
includes hockey and our community that surrounds it.
Hockey Canada, the
OHF (Ontario Hockey Federation), and the OMHA will continue to provide
information / decisions regarding the 2020 / 2021 hockey season and
tryouts.
As any new information becomes available, we will pass it on as soon as
possible.
The Eagles Board of Directors and our Executive are continuing to plan and prepare for the 2020/2021 hockey season. This includes the preparation of various contingency plans for several possible scenarios.
The critical element of course will be when the OMHA provides a date for tryouts. As you know, no tryouts are likely to take place prior to August/September at this point.
Our tryout registration will remain open indefinitely and there will not be late fees this year. Your registration is critical though to our planning process for tryout schedules and determining the number of teams to field at each age level.
If you have not yet registered, we would appreciate if you could, but understand if you are unable to at this time.
We have provided a list of questions later in this post that we have received with answers for your information.
Please note the office is now closed to the public but staff are working remotely and can be reached as needed.
I look forward to the day when Canada’s game resumes and we can all reconnect at the rinks!
Stay safe,
Dave Armstrong President
Q: The Hockey Canada announcement says that all “sanctioned activities” are to be shut down. What does “sanctioned activities” include?
A: Hockey Canada sanctioned activities include:
All games including playoff and exhibition
Practices (both league scheduled and private rentals, as well as Dryland Training)
Tournaments (Canada and in the US)
Camps and development programs
Team activities (including team parties and banquets)
Provincial, Regional, and National Championships
Spring try-outs
Q: The Hockey Canada announcement uses the phrase “until further notice”. What does that mean?
A: The 2019/20 season is cancelled. The Hockey Canada Board will decide when sanctioned hockey will resume in Canada. We have no indication of when that will be.
Q: My son’s / daughter's team has a chance at an OMHA championship. I know that Hockey Canada has shut down hockey for the season, but is there a chance that playoffs may still happen if things improve?
A: No, hockey for this season is over.
Q: How will playoff finals be addressed. No winners no losers?
A: The season is over. Tri-County/SCTA will not be declaring any Playoff champions.
Q: I have Goalie Equipment or other equipment borrowed from the BCRHC– how do I return it?
A: If you have any equipment of the BCRHC, iPad, Trainers kits, goalie equipment at the moment, please hold on to it for now. Once the situation has passed and it is safe to do, so we will make arrangements for it to be returned.
Q: What is the timeline for Spring Tryouts?
A: Tryouts for the 2020/21 season will not be conducted this Spring. The Ontario Hockey Federation will provide guidance on when the introduction of the 2020/21 season will begin, subject to the Hockey Canada Board of Directors’ future decision when to reinstate all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities. Such introduction will take into consideration ice availability, capacity and other logistics involved in organizing hockey programs.
Q: What about player releases and Permission to Skates?
A: No player releases or Permission to Skates will be issued until further notice. Currently, in these unprecedented times, no player would meet the eligibility requirements to obtain a release as players must first attend tryouts under current regulations. The BCRHC will comply with direction provided by its governing bodies pertaining to player releases at such time that it becomes available.
Q: Can we meet with our coaches to discuss next season?
A: As of now, the recommendation by medical professionals is to avoid meeting in large groups. The recommendation would be to avoid meeting in person unless it was absolutely necessary.
Q: What about non-sanctioned hockey leagues?
A: Non-sanctioned leagues operate outside of Hockey Canada’s by-laws and regulations. If they continue to operate, they would be doing so of their own accord.
Q: If there are private companies still offering hockey camps or programs, can we attend?
A: Please be aware that all City of Burlington facilities as well as private facilities have shut down out of concern for the health of the players and community. Any private organizations that are able to run will not be covered by insurance providers.
Q: What about registration for the 2020/21 season?
A: The opening of player registration for the 2020/21 season is currently delayed, however the staff are currently updating the registration pages of our website and preparing for the launch of registration as they normally would at this time. More information will be provided as it is made available.
Q: If there are no tryouts or team fittings, what will happen with the jerseys and team apparel?
A: Ensuring that our players have jerseys and apparel when the season starts is a major focus for the Club. We are working closely with our jersey and apparel partners to determine the safest and best options including the use of sizing grids and pre-determined numbers. As we finalize our approach we will be sure to communicate the plan to all players and Coaches.
Q: Is the BCRHC office closed for the foreseeable future?
A: The Eagles hockey office is currently closed to the public; however the staff continue to work remotely.
Q: If one of our players tests positive who should we report to?
A: After following the proper protocols as issued by the Government of Ontario please inform:
Connie Kalpakis Head Trainer
Bram Cotton Executive Director