Covid-19 and rec/minor hockey

[tarheelhockey]

I heard yesterday that one of our public rinks will have fairly strict measures in place when they re-open. Best case is the rinks will re-open in mid-July based on the time-frame outlined by our government.

No spectators or parents allowed inside
No access to dressing rooms whatsoever
Players are expected to arrive no earlier than 10 mins. prior to their ice session
Players are expected to remove their skates and leave immediately afterwards
Players must provide their own water bottle
Players are expected to arrive fully dressed with the exception of skates/helmets/gloves
Players will be given a chair inside the rink to tie their skates. The chairs will be adequately spaced apart to enforce physical distancing
After each 1 hour session, the rink will be closed for the following 1 hour for sanitation, effectively cutting the available ice-slots in half

Will be interesting to see if the local government imposes these same regulations on the private rinks in the area. Our amateur hockey community is made-up of a mish-mash of publicly-owned and privately-operated rink. It's pretty much monkey-see, monkey-do around here in regards to governmental regulations, so I wouldn't be surprised if these are made the regulations across the board, which may put more than one private rink out of business and this area was already hurting for ice surfaces. A consultant recommended in 2008 that we needed at least 4 new ice surfaces moving forward to meet the demand and thus far we got zero.

Not to mention the available time slots cut in half. Who decides which groups are going to get the short-end of the stick and lose their weekly time-slots? Many groups may have played their last games as their slot simply won't be available moving forward.

I play on a regular Monday night pick-up and these are basically the guidelines at my local rink. I agree that the temperature check is probably the best precaution available. Otherwise, "social distancing" simply isn't possible in hockey-even non-contact. Our first skate is tonight (later than normal). I signed up to play but my wife doesn't like it. We'll see where I am later today.

Yeah, I'm starting to see this in NC as well. No league play yet, but pickup hockey is coming available with the rules above in place.

Personally, I think this is being driven much more by economics than by best practices. The rinks have to make money somehow, and they're doing the best they can. But realistically -- you cannot play hockey without exhaling into a common space. There's a reason we tell guys not to come to games with the flu, and this virus is a lot more easily passed than the flu.

I thought about going to the last session, but I have a family at home and I genuinely cannot justify to myself the possibility that a family member/close friend/random stranger ends up on a ventilator for weeks because I couldn't resist playing one game of pickup hockey. I'm gonna sit tight and let this play out a little more, same with the kids.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Yeah, I'm starting to see this in NC as well. No league play yet, but pickup hockey is coming available with the rules above in place.

Personally, I think this is being driven much more by economics than by best practices. The rinks have to make money somehow, and they're doing the best they can. But realistically -- you cannot play hockey without exhaling into a common space. There's a reason we tell guys not to come to games with the flu, and this virus is a lot more easily passed than the flu.

I thought about going to the last session, but I have a family at home and I genuinely cannot justify to myself the possibility that a family member/close friend/random stranger ends up on a ventilator for weeks because I couldn't resist playing one game of pickup hockey. I'm gonna sit tight and let this play out a little more, same with the kids.

Yeah, I'm with you. I have a wife and two kids to think about. It sucks to not be able to play but it's hard to justify putting them at risk for recreation.

 

[Yukon Joe]

I would tend to think that playing pick up hockey is about the worst way to do it.

It's one thing playing with a regular team, where you know all the players, you trust that they wouldn't be hiding symptoms, and that if anyone did come down with the virus you'd be able to contract trace and everyone could get tested.

But pickup hockey? No thanks.

 

[BruinDust]

Yeah, I'm starting to see this in NC as well. No league play yet, but pickup hockey is coming available with the rules above in place.

Personally, I think this is being driven much more by economics than by best practices. The rinks have to make money somehow, and they're doing the best they can. But realistically -- you cannot play hockey without exhaling into a common space. There's a reason we tell guys not to come to games with the flu, and this virus is a lot more easily passed than the flu.

I thought about going to the last session, but I have a family at home and I genuinely cannot justify to myself the possibility that a family member/close friend/random stranger ends up on a ventilator for weeks because I couldn't resist playing one game of pickup hockey. I'm gonna sit tight and let this play out a little more, same with the kids.

From what I'm hearing here it's looking more and more likely that actual in-game play won't be allowed until there is a vaccine, if there is ever a vaccine. Even though our region has just one active case and just one case discovered in the past 39 days. Bottom line, if you can't physical distance yourself (and you can't during actual in-game play), you simply won't be permitted to do that activity. This is not my opinion just the viewpoint of local health official calling the shots about what we can or can't do.

 

[tarheelhockey]

From what I'm hearing here it's looking more and more likely that actual in-game play won't be allowed until there is a vaccine, if there is ever a vaccine. Even though our region has just one active case and just one case discovered in the past 39 days. Bottom line, if you can't physical distance yourself (and you can't during actual in-game play), you simply won't be permitted to do that activity. This is not my opinion just the viewpoint of local health official calling the shots about what we can or can't do.

That being the case, they really should close up the pickup games. There's no difference between that and league play.

I fear for the future of these rinks, but it is what it is.

 

[ALF AmericanLionsFan]

From what I'm hearing here it's looking more and more likely that actual in-game play won't be allowed until there is a vaccine, if there is ever a vaccine. Even though our region has just one active case and just one case discovered in the past 39 days. Bottom line, if you can't physical distance yourself (and you can't during actual in-game play), you simply won't be permitted to do that activity. This is not my opinion just the viewpoint of local health official calling the shots about what we can or can't do.

Where are you hearing this? Trying to find the best info on what this season may look like (if at all) for my son. I’ve played pickup (same group of guys last 14 years) twice now and besides from temp check coming in and no locker rooms not much has changed. The family usually visits my parents who are down south now but I’m now a bit worried about possibly putting them at risk.

 

[BruinDust]

Where are you hearing this? Trying to find the best info on what this season may look like (if at all) for my son. I’ve played pickup (same group of guys last 14 years) twice now and besides from temp check coming in and no locker rooms not much has changed. The family usually visits my parents who are down south now but I’m now a bit worried about possibly putting them at risk.

Through the local grapevine. I'm not in the US but a remote part of Canada, where things are being handled extra carefully. I should be clear, we've had just 6 cases now in 59 days, just one active case in the region, and "flattening the curve" has completely gone out the window for our local health officials, the new benchmark is "zero cases". Not that everyone here agrees that is the right approach, but politically that's were our local government is.

 

[Smirnov2Chistov]

Man, seeing these comments put me in a bummer mood. I just want to get out and play again with my roller squad but still have yet to hear back on anything..

 

[tarheelhockey]

Man, seeing these comments put me in a bummer mood. I just want to get out and play again with my roller squad but still have yet to hear back on anything..

I'm starting to seriously think about buying a pair of inlines and setting up a portable net in the parking lot of the closed church down the street. It's not the same as an organized league game, but it's better than going a year without skating.

 

[Yukon Joe]

I'm starting to seriously think about buying a pair of inlines and setting up a portable net in the parking lot of the closed church down the street. It's not the same as an organized league game, but it's better than going a year without skating.

I'm already there - put on some inlines and haul the kid's net out into the middle of the cul-de-sac. It's nowhere near the same, but at least it keeps me skating with a stick in my hand.

 

[shoeshine boy]

our league is starting back up on Monday and the more things I read, the more I think this is going to be a nightmare. our league has over 1000 players. if just one is infected with COVID (knowingly or not) and then shows up to play it's going to send everything into a tailspin. all players from both teams (provided we know which game the player was infectious in) will need to be tested &/or quarantined for 2 weeks. that means all of those games will have to be forfeited. if the player plays in multiple leagues (we have Rec and Over35 along with a skill-based "Open" league) then THOSE teams will also have to be tested/quarantined before they can be allowed back on the ice. unfortunately, we operate in a state that has NEVER taken COVID seriously (GA) and our governor is so dense about the matter that also on Monday, salad bars and buffets are being allowed to re-open.

 

[Evergreen]

I really miss playing and being around the guys on my beer league team, but I just don't think it's a smart idea at this point. My rink in L.A. just opened up and our league is supposed to resume in early July, but given the current state of the pandemic, I probably won't return right away.

I've been pretty paranoid about the pandemic since the beginning because a good friend of mine flew from Seattle to L.A. back in March to stay with her parents when everything was closing down and she had COVID but wasn't symptomatic and hadn't been tested, but got both of her parents sick and they died only about 10 days later. Both were in their early 60s with no known underlying issues. So right from the start I've seen the devastation it can cause.

 

[Bood12]

For these that are or have returned to play, are you required to wear a face mask while you play? I'm not sure how feasible it is to play with this, I also have a feeling wearing glasses will make them fog up with a face mask on

 

[Game suspension]

In none of the arenas I have learned about have masks been used on the ice. My arena opened up briefly to 5 on 5 play (nobody on the bench) and masks were needed to enter and exit the rink. But once on the ice it was back to normal hockey. Which really makes zero sense. Having said that, as others have said, you can't social distance playing hockey anyway so...

Needless to say somebody ratted out the arena to the city and they have been shut down until the next phase of reopening begins.

And yeah. I am having my doubts whether or not the city allows hockey games to ever be played again.

 

[TrueBlue86]

Are rinks open anywhere in Canada? In Ontario, hockey is not included under Stage 2 reopening. It may be under Stage 3 (with unknown restrictions). Not all of Ontario is even in Stage 2 now, so I wouldn't expect Stage 3 until August at the earliest. My summer pickup (same group of guys) just got canceled for the summer and we'll be getting a refund.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/framework-reopening-our-province-stage-2

 

[Yukon Joe]

Are rinks open anywhere in Canada? In Ontario, hockey is not included under Stage 2 reopening. It may be under Stage 3 (with unknown restrictions). Not all of Ontario is even in Stage 2 now, so I wouldn't expect Stage 3 until August at the earliest. My summer pickup (same group of guys) just got canceled for the summer and we'll be getting a refund.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/framework-reopening-our-province-stage-2

Here in Edmonton, my kid is on the ice already at a private lesson on the Enoch Cree reserve - which they claim makes them not subject to AHS orders. Nevertheless they get dressed outside, arrive only 15 minutes in advance, only 12 kids on the ice.

City of Edmonton is slowly starting up some rinks. I know a teammate of mine from rec hockey has booked an hour later in July. Similarly only 13 allowed on the ice in total, will probably be some restrictions on time in the dressing room etc.

 

[puckpilot]

Are rinks open anywhere in Canada?

On the Westcoast, some youth hockey is back on the ice, but public rinks and rec programs are still not operating. I believe rec leagues are beginning to organize for a July start date for some summer hockey. But it's 4 on 4 with max 8 players per team, with rules in place to minimize contact. Same with public rentals for ice time, but ice time is going to be scarce. 8-rinks only has one sheet of ice operating right now.

 

[DesertPenguin]

Arizona resident here, the new Covid Capital of the US.

Youth games started up a month ago, and they are spooling up to start adult league again soon. Theyve assigned us practice time during our normal league time slot the past two weeks. The rinks are requiring masks inside the building EXCEPT when on the ice, and are encouraging but not requiring people to get dressed at home.

Side note: I am not at all surprised Covid is spiking here. AZ has always leaned Libertarian, with folks insisting the govt cant tell them what to do. Up until the end of last week, masks were recommended but not required, and maybe 3/10 people I saw when out getting groceries or at the hardware store were wearing them. Now that masks are required in most cities, I'm still only seeing about 7/10 wearing them. People know there's no teeth behind the new city ordinances and the are skipping masks as some sort of morbid political statement. Pools are open, restaurants are seating folks inside and out. Only maybe half the people here are taking it seriously and it shows in the spread rates.

Edit: To be clear, I haven't been skating, and I do wear a mask in public whenever I have to leave the house, which is rare. My wife is pregnant and I'm not taking any chances of bringing this bug home.

 

[Ozz]

Here in the Lockdown Capital of the US (Michigan), I'm immeasurably jealous of anyone who even has rinks open. I'd play in a Hazmat suit with oxygen tanks at this point, JFC...

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Here in the Lockdown Capital of the US (Michigan), I'm immeasurably jealous of anyone who even has rinks open. I'd play in a Hazmat suit with oxygen tanks at this point, JFC...

Don’t know about your budget, but you could invest in a pair of Mars blades.

I ordered a pair for my daughter and myself... of course it took a couple months for them to arrive so we had them mounted about the same time the rinks opened back up.

I was only on them once so far and aside from stopping and the weight, they work well.

 

[tarheelhockey]

'd play in a Hazmat suit with oxygen tanks at this point, JFC...

The problem is, we can't actually play in a mask or anything else that would protect us.

So it's a painful choice between "god I want to play hockey again" and "doing this is basically the equivalent of licking a public doorknob".

 

[Ozz]

The problem is, we can't actually play in a mask or anything else that would protect us.

So it's a painful choice between "god I want to play hockey again" and "doing this is basically the equivalent of licking a public doorknob".

Or rather, "possibly the equivalent", which is worse, because it's not a guarantee that we'll come into contact with it. If we knew we would for sure, then it's a no-brainer. Michigan has been operating under that belief since early March anyway, and are still incredibly locked down.

I'm jealous of people who like golf, because that was one of the first and remains one of the only things open that you can go out and do around here.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Or rather, "possibly the equivalent", which is worse, because it's not a guarantee that we'll come into contact with it. If we knew we would for sure, then it's a no-brainer. Michigan has been operating under that belief since early March anyway, and are still incredibly locked down.

I'm jealous of people who like golf, because that was one of the first and remains one of the only things open that you can go out and do around here.

Exactly -- the uncertainty is what makes it so hard. If I knew for a fact that I would come home from the rink with COVID, I wouldn't remotely consider doing it. If I knew for a fact that I could play safely, I wouldn't hesitate to do it.

But being stuck in a place where it's just a distinct possibility... I'm not gambling my family's health on that, but I'm also not going to walk away feeling good knowing that my team is out there playing without me. It sucks both ways.

 

[Game suspension]

Well ya. There is a lot of bravado in hockey so we will all probably get that push to play despite the risk. The question is when. My rink(s) is downtown Chicago and it is one of the biggest adult leagues in the USA. We in Chicago are just opening up to indoor dining / public venues, etc. on Friday. So I don't plan to be first in the pool. Basically this ain't going away anytime soon here anyway.

My take on the virus is it will be really tough to snuff out so, while the virus has plateaued here in IL, I have zero faith in our ability to quarantine in the summer given our new freedoms.

And I agree. I have never had such extreme mixed feelings in my life.

 

[sabresEH]

In the Okanagan in BC rinks are starting to open up. Same rules as everywhere else for now. 12 max on the ice, skills only, no parents watching, show up dressed, etc.

I'm itching to play as I was skating 3x a week before this happened. But if there are rules in place where I can't hang around after for some beers then I'll probably take the year off and play again once I can. I show up 5-10 minutes before and leave 2 hours after.