Sep 08, 2020 | Cindy MacCormack | 1379 views
Dear Mustang Families,
After the OWHA release of the Stage 3 Return to Play protocols, we have a few updates for Mustangs families. There are additional protocols required by our local Public Health Unit (PHU), which is Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph. Players who were Mustangs last season are of course welcome to return, even if living in a different PHU. Players cannot, however, be rostered with two different hockey organizations (for example Mustangs and CWMHA) as some have in the past. Players who cannot skate independently cannot be registered at this time, as all on ice staff must maintain physical distancing.
There will be no tryouts. Players who played on a Mustangs Rep Team last season will be grouped into Tier 1 play, if they wish. Local League players will be grouped into Tier 2. Additional rankings of players may be made administratively. Players will then be assigned to Groups and Extended Groups for practice and play. Extended Groups have a maximum of 50 players – players can only be a member of one Extended Group and there can be no call-ups from outside the Extended Group.
We are working with the other girls hockey associations within our PHU in hopes of being able to play games against other centres within an Extended Group. We hope to have access to ice as of early October. Ice Pads will allow up to 25 participants (including instructors) per ice time to practice. The limit of 25 is the current maximum allowed by the Township of Centre Wellington, and supersedes any OWHA protocols. Physical distancing will be required on the ice for practices. After at least two weeks of development, Groups can play 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 with modified (i.e. less contact) rules which are still TBD with other Groups within their Extended Group. There are to be no team gatherings outside of practice and game play, no overnight activities, and no league or tournament play.
At a time still TBD, the participant limit for practices may increase and 5 v 5 play with modified rules may be permitted. Extended Group size will be increased when and if the province allows.
The Mustangs will continue to work on the details around Groups and Extended Groups for all players in the next few weeks. Keep watching this site for more details. If you have not yet done so, please make sure you indicate your intent to register. The number of Intent to Register responses we get will be very important for planning how to divide up the Groups and get ice time.
We are also busy working on getting all our return-to-play protocols in place and working with the township to plan our facility use. There will be updated waivers to sign when you register and an app with a health check/attendance log you will need to complete before all practices and games. Details will be posted on the Mustangs website as they are finalized.
Finally, watch for Registration to go live! This is a new system and will require you to set up a new account. Until that time, we will continue to look for Intent to Register updates.
Take care & stay healthy!