Lac La Biche Minor Hockey will look — and sound — different for players and spectators this season, according to the association's just-released guidelines as young skaters prepare to hit the ice.
Lac La Biche Minor Hockey officials released an information package to parents, guardians and players on Friday night that confirms the start of minor hockey conditioning camps and confirms that the COVID-19 respiratory virus is going to be the toughest opponent teams face this season.
"Players will avoid unnecessary contact such as high fives and hugging," recommends one part of the associations most recent re-entry guidelines. "Cheering and yelling is strongly discouraged as it presents a high risk of spreading droplets" states another.
The list of recommendations and rules is a combination of Hockey Alberta's province-wide re-entry plan and localized guidelines from Lac La Biche Minor Hockey Association executives and Bold Center officials.
In all cases, say association officials, the list of rules and precautions have one common goal: Safety First.
"Our goal is to provide a safe environment for the participants, volunteers and spectators and a fun experience for the kids," states the information package.
The list of COVID-related conditions were sent out just days before conditioning practice sessions for all age levels begin at the Bold Center ice. Practice sessions are scheduled to start and Monday and run to the end of next week.
Local association officials have not sent out information on plans for this season's league play. A more detailed timeline is expected once officials determine final registration numbers. The registration deadline for players to sign up for this year in the Lac La Biche Minor Hockey Association was Saturday.