COVID-19 means a much different look when the Pacific Junior Hockey League launches its regular season.
A special meeting was held last week to discuss the move to Phase Three in viaSport’s Return to play guidelines.
“It was appropriate to discuss in-depth and understand what this move would look like for our league,” says PJHL commissioner Trevor Alto. “After such a difficult number of months since last season was cancelled, I feel this was a very positive meeting for the league. All 13 member teams have done an excellent job and worked extremely hard to get us in a position where we are able to make decisions that will allow us to return to competition.”
After initially announcing plans for a Sept. 29 launch date to the regular season, Alto says there are still many moving parts to confirm a schedule that will at least begin with “cohort” divisions with a maximum of four teams playing against each other. This follows the Phase Three Return to Play guidelines. Traditionally the PCJHL features two conferences with interlock play.
“Throughout this process, our plans must have key themes that include safety, communication, and flexibility. In order for us to return to the ice, we need to work diligently with our facilities so that all 13 venues are prepared for Phase Three competition,” continued Alto. “Once we confirm all our facilities are available, we will then be able to provide a firm schedule. Our planning has allowed us to be flexible yet prepared.”
The league has also instituted a roster deadline of September 15. As of this date, all teams must be down to a maximum of 25 carded players. Furthermore from this date forward, the league will require all players wishing to join a PJHL roster to quarantine for 14 days prior to participating in Phase Three competition.
“By identifying a roster date, this allows our teams enough time to practice, quarantine as a team and understand the new league and facility protocols that will be in place in preparation to join their identified cohort at season start,” added Alto. “This will also allow flexibility with our start date, should we need to make adjustments.”
