On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) will initiate “Period 1” of their return to play Game Plan. Teams will be allowed to practice and scrimmage on the ice in groups of no more than 20 players.

In making the decision to move into “Period 1”, the League has consulted with both an infectious disease specialist at the Hospital for Sick Children and the Associate Medical Officer of Health, Toronto Public Health.

It is critical that players, parents, and team staff continue to practice good hygiene, social distance, and follow the screening procedures and other protocols as outlined in Game Plan.

Recent Provincial Government orders on gathering limits will not impact “Period 1” activities of the GTHL at this time.

Clubs and Associations throughout the League have been working tirelessly to ensure the return to hockey is as safe as reasonably possible for all participants. While October 7 is the permitted date for commencement of “Period 1”,  the League does not expect any organization to begin activities until they are prepared to do so.

Every team should review the Game Plan document to ensure that all proper protocols are being followed prior to heading to the rink. It is important to note that each facility will have different measures in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For more information, please visit the Return to Hockey page on the GTHL website.

What to Expect in Period 1

• Player registration continues
• Paper Team selection/grouping of players starts (no in person tryouts)
• The sharing of hockey equipment is prohibited unless it is goaltender equipment at the house league level which has been properly cleaned and disinfected
• On & off-ice training – same group of 20 or less for Participants above U9; 30 or less for Participants U9 and younger who are participating in modified ice programs
• Collection of fees for Periods 1-3
• Players assigned/selected to Teams
• No competition with other teams
• Team Officials/instructors Physical Distance
• Players and Team Officials must maintain physical distancing (2-metres) on and off the ice at all times, except as otherwise permitted in the case of players (see Appendices E and F)
• Scrimmage within groups – 3 on 3 or 4 on 4
• Safety Person training
• Coach COVID-19 protocol training
• Training should align with Long Term Player Development (LTPD)
• Focus is on skating and puck skills
• No bodychecking or intentional contact
• Face masks must be worn at all times by players, Team Officials and spectators. Players can remove their face masks during physical activity
• Team Officials or power skating instructors who work in consecutive on-ice sessions will have to physical distance and use hygiene best practices between on-ice sessions. If teaching multiple sessions, they should ensure maintenance of a physical distance at all times, so as not to potentially infect multiple cohorts
• Facilities slowly opening
• Spectator numbers only as permitted by the Government of Ontario and/or local Public Health Units/municipalities and/or facility
• Cheering or yelling by spectators is strongly discouraged