Hockey Canada lifts national ban on sanctioned activities Games a long way from returning, but first steps underway

Hockey is one step closer to returning in Canada – but there are plenty more steps to come before we’ll see games on the ice.

Hockey Canada announced last Thursday it was lifting its blanket ban on sanctioned activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic and leaving the decision on return to play up to each regional body, including the Saskatchewan Hockey Association.

“It has been determined that the best approach for a return to hockey in Canada is to allow each member the opportunity to work with authorities in their respective regions to determine when it is safe to return to the ice in areas that fall under their jurisdiction,” Hockey Canada said in a press release. “We expect the timing of each member’s return to hockey will be different, but will be based on the advice of their government and public health authority.”

For the SHA, that will likely mean waiting at least until Phase 4 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, which will allow gatherings of 30 people. While that won’t allow for conventional games with fans, it would allow players to get on the ice and even hold organized practices.

As for actual games, that will mean Phase 5 at the earliest, and likely the lifting of all restrictions across the board.

There is no timeline or date for either phase. Hockey Canada stressed that even with this first step in the right direction, there is still a very long way to go. “It is imperative to note that we are not ready to return to the game across the country,” they said. “As we have seen in respect to flattening the curve, the impact of the pandemic varies from region to region. Permitting our members the opportunity to decide on an appropriate return-to-hockey timeline will allow them to work directly with public health authorities to determine when it is safe to return while also implementing specific safety measures and rules within their associations and leagues.” The return to hockey plan won’t be a one-size-fits-all, either. Different associations will have different timelines – Saskatchewan, with a low COVID-19 case count well on its way to becoming negligible, will likely see icetime before Quebec, which continues to see high numbers in cases – meaning some provinces could be playing games while others are still unable to even take the ice. How the sport will look from an overall perspective could change, too, especially when it comes to social distancing and fan support.

“Be assured, we continue to work on our multi-faceted return-to-hockey plan that includes health and safety regulations, communications and seasonal structure. As with so many people across the country, we look forward to returning to the game when it is safe to do so, and we will support our 13 members as we continue to work towards getting back on the ice.”