OMHA Return to Hockey, News (Markham Waxers)

Dear friends in minor hockey,

We appreciate everything you are doing as leaders of hockey in your communities while we face one of the most challenging times in our history because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As you know, we have implemented a COVID-19 vaccination policy for all eligible participants aged 12 and up involved in minor hockey with the OMHA. Our Board announced the policy in order to protect the health and safety of our players and those around the game and to ensure we can return to hockey as we know it in the 2021–2022 season.  

The policy came about after careful deliberation and in close consultation with scientific experts and public health authorities. This includes Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Doctor Kieran Moore. Doctor Moore is a hockey parent himself whose children played in the OMHA. Today, he shared this letter offering his full support and ongoing collaboration, adding he hopes the OMHA “can be an example for vaccination policies across the amateur sports sector in Ontario.”

Read the full letter here. 

Thank you again for everything you are doing. It is great to see so many people registering for this season and hockey back on the ice as we know it.

Last year, we had a season like no other. We had many starts and stops because of the pandemic. We had to restrict numbers, implement 3-on-3, 4-on-4 and other measures to keep our players at a safe distance. We had many of our members saying they couldn’t wait for 5-on-5 or “normal” hockey to return.  We applaud you for your efforts in helping make that happen in what we hope will be a long-lasting season, crucial for the youth playing our game and for their physical and mental well-being.

Yours in hockey,

Bob Hill
OMHA President