Hello Flyers,

We would like to pass along another update that we have received from the province regarding the new restrictions announced on Tuesday.

The province has provided the following clarification regarding the current restrictions limiting sport and recreation to groups of 10: more than one cohort of 10 is allowed as long the cohorts are distanced from each other the entire time. There can be no intermingling of cohorts so the space would have to allow for distancing between cohorts, staggered entry into the facility and onto the field of play, separate change rooms, etc.

This means that effective immediately, a team could practice in separate groups of up to 10 (including coaches and instructors) on the ice at the same time, but you would need to ensure that the groups (including coaches and instructors) are completely separated from the time they arrive at the facility until the time they leave. Players could not switch groups (ex: players are not permitted to spend half a practice with one group and then spend the other half with the other group) during the practice. You would also need to ensure that you have enough space to be able to do so at all times in the facility and on the field of play.

Yours in Hockey,

Amy Walsh

Executive Director

Hockey Nova Scotia

Arnie Farrell

President

Hockey Nova Scotia

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS UPDATE FROM HOCKEY NOVA SCOTIA

Good evening everyone,

 Earlier today, the province announced new gathering limit restrictions across Nova Scotia that will significantly impact hockey. To read the complete announcement from the province, please click here.https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20211221004

 The following restrictions are effective at 6 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec. 22) and will remain in place until at least Jan. 12, 2022:

 only virtual events are allowed – there are no in-person events such as festivals, social events, special events (including receptions), sports games or tournaments, or arts and culture performances

a limit of 10 participants indoors and 25 outdoors applies to sports practices and training; physical distance is not required, and masks are recommended when possible indoors and outdoors; spectators are not allowed

Nova Scotia children ages 11 and younger continue to be restricted from participating in sports and arts and culture events outside the province

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR HOCKEY

 Today’s announcement will greatly impact our teams, associations, and leagues over the next few weeks. As of tomorrow morning, the following will take effect:

 Games and tournaments are not permitted

A maximum of 10 participants (including coaches and instructors) will be permitted in the field of play for practices and training; physical distancing is not required during these sessions, but masks are required everywhere in the facility but on the ice

Spectators will be not be permitted at any activities

Travel restrictions remain in effect that prohibit children age 11 and younger from entering or leaving Nova Scotia to participate in sports

 We understand the past week, like the past two years, has been challenging. We appreciate all of your efforts to keep our players on the ice during these very difficult times. We will pass along any updates to you as soon as we have them.

We hope you all stay healthy and safe during this holiday season

Yours in Hockey

Amy Walsh

Executive Direct

Hockey Nova Scotia

Arnie Farrell

President

Hockey Nova Scotia

Good Evening,

I am sure you are all aware by now that Dr. Strang announced some new measures today. Starting tomorrow indoors sports will be limited to 10 participants. SMHA will take additional measures at this time and will shutdown from 22 Dec until 1 Jan. Teams will be allowed back on the ice as of 2 Jan, and will follow the Public Health restrictions of 10 participants until 12 Jan. We are still awaiting guidance from HNS but I don't expect any changes. During this period SMHA will continually reassess the COVID environment and will adjust as required. 

Rod Sturge

Vice President & Interim President

Saturday Dec 18th 2021

COVID-19 Update:

Hello SMHA Members,

As always the safety of our members in our association is the number one priority during this time. In efforts to continue to keep safety at the top of our  list, and  following with other minor hockey centres in the area, the executive has decided  to  implement the following measures as of  Monday December 20th at 9:00 am.  

Monday December 20th 2021 9:00 am

All Game play will be paused

You may use your “ game time” ice for single team practice.

No more shared ice practice.

Division VP’s will coordinate shared ice times into single team ice times. If you miss your first ice time due to this , ice accommodations will be made at the first opportunity to do so. Every effort will be made tomake up the time as soon as available.

No developments sessions/Goalie Sessions 

These ice times will be redistributed through the organization based on needs.

NO more Mezzanine rentals 

NEW ARENA ENTRY POLICY 

• Arrive FULLY DRESSED for games/ice times 20 mins before start time.

• MASKS ON for all coaches/players until you enter the ice surface.

• All coaches who coach with multiple teams /organizations must wear a mask while on the ice at all times.

• NO affiliate players for practices or games.

• Only Team staff permitted on the ice times.

• NO parents in the dressing rooms. U7/U9 chairs will be set up in the hallway for dressing assistance.

• Spectator limits are back into effect at 150 Capacity . However if we can limit the amount of traffic in the arena we will limit the possible spread of COVID-19. So we encourage you to drop your player off and pick them up if safe to do so. 

Any Further questions should be directed at the SMHA Executive via email. Any Saftey concerns to Safety rep Danielle Macdonald at safety@flyershockey.ca

Thank you all again for your continued cooperation during this time. If we all follow the rules , we can get back into game play in a timly manner.

          Stay Safe,

SMHA Executive

Sackville Flyers are sharing the following update from Hockey Nova Scotia.

As mentioned in the update, Dr. Strang is meeting with Sport Nova Scotia and HockeyNS will be in that meeting.

Stay tuned, likely more updates and clarification to follow.

Thank you, and stay safe!

SMHA Board of Directors

Congrats to the Sackville Flyers U11AA team on thier silver medal win at the Allan Sullivan Memorial Tournament. It was a hard fought battle against the Pictou Crushers! Great job Flyers! #flyersproud