The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) is pleased to announce that after
months of preparation, subject to gaining final approvals , our season will commence on
October 1, 2020.
Placing safety first, and working closely with our Health authorities, viaSport, BC Hockey,Hockey Canada and our High Calibre Officials we feel confident in providing a safe, fast, energetic game for our players and viewership.
Some changes of note this season as per the new guidelines will include:
• The creation of cohorts within the League as described and in line with viaSport Return to Sport Guidelines. These “cohorts” will group specific teams to play against each other to reduce the need for travel and to mitigate the extra risk of infection.VIJHL will have 3 cohorts.
• Social distancing guidelines and self-isolation protocols are required for all players interacting with anyone outside their cohort.
• Players leaving or entering a cohort are mandated to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days as per Public Health guidelines.
• Except in the field of play (the ice surface), players will be required to wear gaiter masks or meet social distancing requirements on the benches and penalty area.
• There shall be a limited number, and possibly NO spectators allowed in some of the VIJHL arena’s which means we will rely on our partnership with HockeyTV (hockeytv.com) to provide live streaming of our games for our viewership.
In these uncertain times it is important that we try to maintain some parts of our social fabric and hockey provides an avenue for our players to excel at. Our foremost thoughts are towards the safety of our players, volunteers, coaches, bench-staff and facility personnel in
allowing us to play the game we all can call our own.
This season start, once final approvals are received through viaSport and our Public Health Authorities, will mark the 50th consecutive season for the VIJHL and we look forward to many more.
Stay safe, be kind and enjoy the start of the VIJHL Junior hockey season.
Simon Morgan
VIJHL President