Alliance Hockey places pause on playing games; OMHA still a go

By Darryl G. Smart

Last night, Alliance Hockey hit the pause button on external play within its umbrella.

“Alliance Hockey has closely monitored the current state of the COVID-19 Pandemic through consultation with public health authorities and Member Associations.,” a press release reads. “Based upon that guidance and prudent consideration of all variables, Alliance Hockey will be implementing a mandatory pause in all alliance Hockey sanctioned external play effective Friday, December 17, 2021, through to Sunday, December 26, 2021.

Local associations affected by this are Brantford Minor Hockey Association, Brantford Community Hockey League and Woodstock Minor Hockey.

“External play applies to all Alliance Hockey scheduled rep and MD League games,” the release reads. “With this said, teams may utilize scheduled ice times for internal practices.  Every effort will be made to reschedule games where possible. This includes all AAA, AA, MD league or exhibition games and all Select exhibition games.”

OMHA still a go

As of Friday morning, it’s business as usual for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and its members, which includes all associations in Haldimand, Norfolk, Norwich and Tillsonburg.

The OMHA did send out a release about capacity limits.

“In response to rising COVID-19 case numbers in the province, the Government of Ontario announced on Dec. 15, 2021 that it is introducing new public safety measures,” the press release reads. “Part of those new measures include a 50% capacity limit to indoor sports and recreational fitness venues with a capacity of 1,000 or more patrons beginning on Dec. 18, 2021.”

The government has announced the new capacity limits are only applicable to spectators.The limits on participants and facility staff remain unchanged.