The Greater Toronto Hockey League announced today that beginning January 31, on-ice programming may resume. The announcement comes following the lifting of restrictions by the Government of Ontario and consultations by the GTHL with Public Health.
The GTHL has been advised that facilities will be permitted to reopen with 50 per cent capacity in both the building and spectator areas. There will be limits in dressing rooms that do not allow for social distancing. On-ice programming, however, will be able to resume under normal conditions.
As a result, the GTHL’s competitive teams (“A,” “AA,” and “AAA”), the Mississauga Hockey League (MHL), North York Hockey League (NYHL), House League, and other programs may resume practices and skill development on January 31, provided they are doing so within any restrictions put in place by the Government of Ontario and/or the respective local Public Health unit. This will allow a period of time for players to return to physical activity before participating in game situations.
Competitive (“A,” “AA,” and “AAA”), MHL, NYHL, and House League teams may resume games on February 4, provided it is permitted to do so within the Government of Ontario regulations and is permitted by local Public Health units.
The GTHL is currently updating the Game Plan 2.0 framework to ensure it reflects current public health requirements and recommendations so that players can return to the ice in a safe, fun, and secure environment. The updated document will be available by January 30 for review prior to Monday’s return to arenas.
The GTHL is also updating the 2021-22 competitive League schedule. The GTHL remains fully committed to completing the regular season schedule for competitive games. The current playoff structure is currently under review to determine what, if any, modifications will be needed – including potentially extending the playoff end date – in order to complete the post-season.
The MHL, NYHL, and each House League will be making determinations on how the balance of their seasons will be completed.
Committed to providing the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the GTHL will continue to assist participants through maintaining a list of local facility guidelines which can be viewed here. Prior to returning to the rink, please ensure you review the updated Game Plan 2.0 and your local facility’s guidelines to ensure proper protocol is followed. Not all arenas will have protocols listed on their website. The GTHL encourages all participants and members to call a local facility if protocols cannot be found.
The League extends a gracious thank-you to all members, players, families, volunteers, and staff for their continued patience and understanding as we all prepare to return to the game we love safely.
About the Greater Toronto Hockey League
Founded in 1911, the GTHL is a non-profit organization and the largest minor hockey league in the world. The GTHL registers more than 40,000 annual participants in Markham, Mississauga, Toronto, and Vaughan. The purpose of the GTHL is to govern organized hockey for youth within its jurisdictions, and to foster participation that reflects the cultural demographic of the League’s territory while promoting an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all participants.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Coratti | Manager, Communications and Marketing
Greater Toronto Hockey League
