Thunder Bay Women's Hockey Association

Sep 12, 202 - update

The registration link is now closed.  U11,U13,U15 players should all have their schedules for the first 2 weeks. 

U7/U9 will start Sep 26&27 and U18 Sep 20/21.  Emails and schedules for these groups to follow shortly.

Sep 8, 2020 - update

The registration link is now open for all ages from U7-U18. 

August 25, 2020

The Thunder Bay Women’s Hockey Association (TBWHA) is currently working on a return to hockey plan within the guidelines of Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA).  As we all know, due to COVID-19 adaptations, the delivery of hockey and the programing will likely look very different this coming year, with various stages and protocols for a safe return to the ice.  We thank you for your patience thus far, and we are aware that this is a fluid situation, of which we are closely monitoring the progress. 

As of August 19, 2020, OWHA is in stage 3 of the Return to Play Framework.  Stage 3 of the framework provides some progress in allowing our players to return to the ice; however, there are a number of limitations that need to be addressed. TBWHA as an organization has been working with OWHA, and local arenas to address some of these limitations for the upcoming 2020-21 season and ensure a safe and successful return to play.   

As U7 and U9 provide their own unique challenges, TBWHA is working closely with OWHA to develop a separate framework for these age groups.  Similarly, the Senior Division of TBWHA is having unique challenges with team sizes, dressing room protocols, and availability of sufficient ice, as such; a framework specific to the Senior Division is under development.   

We are currently in stage 3 of the framework which requires a minimum development stage upon returning to the ice. TBWHA has developed the following framework for the first 4 weeks of return:

• Maximum of 25 participants on the ice, including players, instructors, coaches

• Players will be grouped within their age division (see new divisions/names below)

• Sept 15 – Oct 15 (each player will receive 2 ice sessions per week)

• Players will remain within their placed group (bubble) for contact tracing purposes

• Physical distancing is required at all times

• Local arena policies must be followed

• OWHA screening protocol prior to each event

• Movement from other Associations will be permitted with a release

• Registration for this development stage will commence on Sep 1

• Registration will be open to all TBWHA Players (Queens, Fury, House League)

The development phase of the return to play will have a cost of $150.00 for the 4-week session (8 x 1-hour skates/player).  The following refund policy will be in effect for the first 4-week period.

Refund Policy

• With the uncertainty of the upcoming season we have provided the following refund policy in the event the first 4-week session requires cancellation due to COVID-19.

Following the developmental stage, TBWHA will look to move to our second stage which could possibly include 4 on 4 game play under the OWHA framework.  TBWHA will continue to monitor the status of returning to play and changes will be made as OWHA moves to their next stages of the return to play framework.  

If advised at any point that the OWHA will move forward with hosting a Provincial tournament, TBWHA will determine the feasibility of tryouts and the selection of any competitive Queens and Fury program teams to represent TBWHA in the Provincial Tournament as determined by the protocols provided by OWHA, and the health authorities.

Next Steps

Update - Sep 2 - The Intent Link is now closed.  please register with the new link above

Parents/Players can express their intent to return to TBWHA for the upcoming 2020-21 season under the proposed framework. These completed intent forms will be valuable in allowing us to address the max league size of 50 and confirm our breakdown of leagues, as well as secure the required equipment and ice.  (Though the link will redirect to the Queens Website, this link is for all TBWHA Players, including Fury and house league)

The proposed development stage of the TBWHA framework will apply to the 

U11 (Atom)

U13 (Peewee)

U15 (Bantam)

U18 (Midget) levels for the 2020-21 season.  

Coaching staff will be required for this framework TBWHA is encouraging anyone who is interested in coaching a team, to complete the Respect in Sport program through the OWHAwebsite in preparation of potentially coaching in the upcoming season.  Coaches interested in providing support during the development stage are encouraged to submit their interest via email at tbwhacoaching@gmail.com

Progress is being made at the provincial level, but we still have many unknowns.  We will continue to keep you updated and encourage you to refer to the following site to keep updated.

OWHA

After a conference call with OWHA, and the advice offered by the OWHA lawyer about the holding of the AGM, it was recommended that the AGM for TBWHA be postponed until restrictions of Covid-19 are lifted.  At that time, the government has allowed organizations 180 days in which to hold the AGM.  Although the AGM was tentatively planned to be held on June 24/20, it is now postponed until further notice.

The Core Board has passed a motion that allows the current executives to remain in their positions until the restriction is lifted by the government and are in accordance with OWHA.

Thank you,

Tammy Reynolds

PRESIDENT

Hockey Canada, as a result of Covid-19, and in support of player and participant safety has cancelled all Hockey Canada sanctioned activities, including National Championships until further notice, effective immediately.

Further details can be found here

Rowan's Law 

Ontario Government Mandates New Concussion Program for Sport

All Players and Parents MUST review

Concussion Awareness Resource e-booklet can be found at link below