Oceanside Minor Hockey Association is set to hit the ice next week.
The organization has designed a Return to Play plan based on the guidelines issued by the provincial government. In establishing COVID-19 protocols, OMHA has collaborated with BC Hockey, Hockey Canada, Hockey Canada Safety Person, Provincial Health Officer, Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association and the Regional District of Nanaimo.
Players, coaches, and staff are obligated to follow the measures put in place that include restrictions on group sizes, physical distancing, travel restrictions, transitioning from training to games as well as from non-contact to contact, and equipment protocols.
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On Sept. 1, OMHA is holding tryouts for competitive teams. With no exhibition games lined up during the tryouts, players will be evaluated based on skills and drills over three ice time sessions conducted by the OMHA competitive coaches Dylan Martini (U11), Jesse Hammill (U13), Joe Snyder (U15) and Charles MacDonald (U18).
Each division will be divided into two pods with no more than 24 players and coaches on the ice at one time. Those cut from the competitive team will be invited to join the OMHA recreation program.
A safety person will be assigned to each team to ensure COVID-19 protocols are adhered to.
— NEWS Staff