Welcome Back to Hockey!
Welcome Back to Hockey!
February 10, 2021
It is with great excitement that we announce we will be returning to a modified practice-only season as soon as we can secure available ice, and as early as next week*. Under the provincial regulations, Step One of the Path Forward allows us to facilitate practices under Hockey Alberta guidelines, which have been established in collaboration with Alberta Health Services.
We have been working diligently with the Town of Canmore and our coaches, on-ice helpers, and team managers, and we will be creating a modified practice schedule as current available ice allows in the coming days*. Our current objective is to get as many players back on the ice as we can, while ensuring strict adherence to public health measures in place. At this time, we have one sheet of ice available in Canmore, and no ice available in neighboring communities but that could change in the coming weeks and we continue to work towards securing as much ice time as possible. Our plan is fluid and we are ready to adapt and change quickly in alignment with changes to available ice and provincial restrictions.
We do understand that a practice-only model may not appeal to all. Please be aware as we all do our part to flatten the curve and provincial case numbers continue to decrease, some form of gameplay may still be possible when we reach the next steps of the Path Forward. We are hopeful that, as a province, we can collectively achieve the required lowered hospitalization and ICU admittances needed to progress to subsequent steps in the Path. For now, we are thankful that we have the opportunity to get players back on the ice in any capacity, and we sympathize with the communities and associations that have had to make the difficult decision to cancel their 2020/21 season.
We realize you likely have questions about options and refunds given the remainder of our season will not be a typical one. We continue as a board to work out ongoing details and have committed to providing options in alignment with the next provincial milestone announcement (anticipated for end of February), and a comprehensive and transparent refund structure by the conclusion of the season.
Please continue to monitor communications from C.M.H.A. and your coaches and team managers as more details will be released shortly.
Again, we thank our dedicated hockey community for your trust, patience, and optimism throughout the pandemic and for all doing your part to flatten the curve. We very much look forward to welcoming you back to practice!
(*TBA - timing is dependent on several factors, but please note our goal is as soon as possible)
