The start of the 2020-21 Saskatchewan Jr Hockey League season is an unprecedented season from any other.
A normal hockey season has its challenges, the 20-21 season has created more questions than answers.
As the SJHL moves forward during Covid 19, while trying to ensure the safety of the players, the fans, the volunteers and the coaches and staff of each team.
The SJHL is currently in Phase 3 of the return to play process as prescribed by Saskatchewan Government and Saskatchewan Health. Phase 3 allows 6 teams to play amongst themselves and currently with a maximum of 150 fans (regardless of the size of the arena).
The SJHL continues to work with Saskatchewan Government and Saskatchewan Health in having a desired increase of the number of fans allowed per game. The number of fans allowed to each game is being monitored and the number of COVID-19 cases could reflect when an increase in fans is allowed by Saskatchewan Government and Saskatchewan Health.
January 8th will be the start of Phase 4 (with final approval from Saskatchewan Government and Saskatchewan Health pending). In Phase 4 teams will be allowed to play an interlocking schedule amongst the 12 teams of the SJHL.
These times have been very demanding on each Board member, Coach and Volunteer of each team of the SJHL. Rules continue to change on a moments notice and we ask our fans to be understanding and have patients with the each SJHL team member.
On the ice you will see masks being worn by staff members on the bench, officials on the ice during faceoffs, during scrums wearing masks all under the return to play guidelines as prescribed by Saskatchewan Government and Saskatchewan Health.
There will be diminished goal celebrations as they have been deemed activities that should not occur in attempts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
May we all stay healthy and be safe and that we be able to finish the 20-21 season.
