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Kimberley Minor Hockey provides updates
Kimberley Minor Hockey (KMH) today (August 18) provided an update surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and return-to-play.
“As we know COVID has really changed our lives and how things will look going forward. As of this moment we are unsure what the 20/21 hockey season will look like. We are still uncertain when we can start playing games, how practices will look, how many players are allowed on a team, how many players are allowed on the ice at one time, and when ice will actually be put into our Kimberley arenas, among other questions,” KMH outlined on social media.
“September 18 is the planned date for ice in the Civic Centre, although that may still change. Marysville Arena is closed until further notice.
“The KMH Executive has been in contact with Cranbrook Minor Hockey regarding the amalgamation that was agreed upon last year for competitive players and this will be moving forward as planned. Those families who have players interested in playing competitive hockey will be on the ice soon, in Cranbrook. Prior to tryouts, we have allowed a few pre-skate ice times for players to get used to being on skates for the first time in a while.
“The schedule is below. For those of you who have chosen to play recreational hockey in Kimberley, there is more uncertainty at this time.”
Competitive Hockey
U13
– U13 A & B Pre skate – Sept. 4-8;
– “A” Bucks evaluations – Sept. 11-13;
– “B” Dynamiters evaluations – Sept. 26-27;
– All registered rep tryout players will be included in the evaluations on Sept. 11-13 however only the “A” Bucks team will be selected.
To ensure as much flexibility as possible, CMHA and KMHA will review numbers along with potential game structure within the East Kootenay and may choose to amend the structure and number of teams at the Development and City League level. This decision would be made to ensure appropriate game play within a potential cohort model and to maximize game play opportunity for players in the area within the appropriate competition base.
Players released from the Bucks tryout and those who declare for “B” only will move to the “B” Dynamiters evaluation as noted above.
All remaining players after tryouts will be divided equally into City League (Recreation) teams.
At this time, as per Interior Health Authority requirements, inter provincial game play is not approved. There are many unknowns about the ability to play in the SCAHL for the 2020/21 season. We continue to work with all stakeholders, BC Hockey, Hockey AB and the SCAHL as well as OMAHA as possible options.
We are confident all players on all teams will see gameplay at the level they are selected whether locally, SCAHL or within BC Hockey as defined within Return to Play requirements
Further correspondence will be provided from Division Heads / Coaches regarding ice sessions, player information and playing intentions.
U15/U18
– U15/18 A& B Pre skate will occur on Sept 4-8;
– “A” Bucks Team evaluations will occur on Sept. 18-20;
– “B” Dynamiters evaluations – Sept. 26-27.
Registered rep tryout players will be included in the evaluations on Sept. 18-20. However, only the “A” Bucks team will be selected. To ensure as much flexibility as possible, CMHA and KMHA will review numbers along with potential game structure within the East Kootenay and may choose to amend the structure and number of teams at the Development and City League level. This decision would be made to ensure appropriate gameplay within a potential cohort model and to maximize gameplay opportunity for players in the area within the appropriate competition base.
Players released from the Bucks tryout and those who declare for “B” only will move to the “B” Dynamiters evaluation as noted above.
All remaining players after tryouts will be divided equally into City League (Recreation) teams.
At this time, as per Interior Health Authority requirements Inter Provincial game play is not approved. There are many unknows about the ability to play in the SCAHL for the 2020/21 season. We continue to work with all stakeholders, BC Hockey, Hockey AB and the SCAHL as well as OMAHA as possible options.
We are confident all players on all teams will see gameplay at the level they are selected whether locally, SCAHL or within BC Hockey as defined within Return to Play requirements.
Further correspondence will be provided from Division Heads / Coaches regarding ice sessions, player information and playing intentions.
Recreational Hockey
For our recreational hockey families, we need to first find out when ice will be available in the Civic. This will dictate a starting point. There will be an option to play City League in Cranbrook if you are interested, but more information on this will follow. We haven’t discussed in detail with CMH how the City league would look if all games were to be played in Cranbrook for the immediate future.
At this time if there is no ice going into Civic by Sept 18, the KMH Executive will make alternate plans. We will have to wait and see what response we get from the City regarding this topic.
We are working with CMHA Board members regarding the Rep team evaluation process and how to best ensure players are placed on teams that their abilities are best suited for. There may be a need for adjustments to ensure players are placed appropriately should social distance skill-based evaluations and no gameplay be the requirement.
Our priority is on the players being in the right spot and our focus will be on how to make this happen. Please also be aware that there are limitations on spectators in facilities and KMH may be forced to cap parent attendance to comply with facility considerations for all pre-skates and evaluations.
We hope to have a response from the City of Kimberley regarding ice over the next couple weeks, and we should also have an update from ViaSport and BC Hockey regarding which phase we currently sit. This will allow us to focus on what the beginning of the season may look like so we can plan accordingly.
Kimberley Minor Hockey Executive
