Just wanted to give you a quick update as it looks like there may be some light at the end of this Covid tunnel!   We are very hopeful that on February 14th the Province will lift sport restrictions.  I hope that we can get back to full practices and games, although I'm hearing that spectators will still not be allowed if this decision is made.  I wanted to touch base on a few things that have come up.

1 - DWMHA is lobbying to have the season continue.  Normally we are in playoffs toward mid to late February, we would like to have approx six weeks of games before the season ends.  There are no definite dates at this time, but believe it is best for all participants to have their games continue vs. cutting the season short.  This means that ice times may be changed for practices etc.  More information will be made available as it is available. 

2 - Central Minor has stated that games will resume as soon as Public Health allows.  Currently we don't know the exact format, but it is looking like approximately 6 weeks of games could be resumed if HNS and Public Health allow it.   Recreation leagues will also resume to GAMES on the 15th if approved and for the U9 group we are looking to have half ice games implemented as well.  We feel it is crucial for development and fun to have the kids play games and have somewhat of a season!

3 - Distribution of ice times.  Ice times for practice over the most recent shut down have been the same.  No teams were afforded more or less practices. Some teams had decided to forgo some practices over the Christmas break, If you saw other teams practicing more it was because they may have obtained more ice time from their individual team budgets.   This has been quite a feat to try and get teams that would normally practice together but had to be split due to numbers etc. We can assure you that no teams are being favoured or disadvantaged. 

4 - Development sessions (including outside guests).  I'm waiting to hear back from HNS on this as there was a HNS call last night (Our TD sent out an update and hit all the key points) but there is some confusion on the topic of outside guests / development sessions.  I'll update you as soon as we get clarification). 

5 - Spring Hockey. At this time HNS is not approving any sessions until the restrictions change.  As soon as we know we will pass it on.  Please note that if you are contemplating private spring hockey that the season may be extended so keep that in mind.  The Whalers will be hosting a spring hockey 4 on 4  that will be announced once Public Health gives us a timeline.

6 - Development of players.  I know the past two seasons have not been easy for any of us.  I am hearing from parents in regards to U9 (and others) that have not had the opportunity to play games / try positions etc or get fully developed.  This is something we as an organization will be carefully looking into and gathering valuable input and data before any decisions are made.

I want to take this opportunity again to thank you all for everything you are doing.  It takes a community to come together and do what we are doing! I want you to know that the entire board and myself say THANK YOU!

Keep our heads and spirits up as we are almost through this.

STAY POSITIVE and test negative :-)