Senior and Minor Hockey in Saskatchewan were set to continue their path to provincial championships in March, before uncertainty with the novel coronavirus shut down all hockey completely. The uncertain nature of the virus in its early stages, and how to deal with it was the main reason for halting hockey. Hockey Canada has compiled a universal Return to Hockey document so that all participants have access to the resources they require to ensure a safe and quick return to the ice.

Hockey Canada's safety guidelines include an emphasis on maintaining responsibilities related to the continued health and safety of players. The document recommends that teams appoint a communications officer, who will be responsible to ensure all updated and relevant information is passed on to everyone within their jurisdiction. Other responsibilities could include constant communication with local facilities, ensuring health precautions are being taken place by the team, and ensuring that all COVID-19 cases are reported appropriately.

“Organizers must keep a record of attendees. All players, spectators, staff, and volunteers should be provided with a sign-in on arrival option, with name, phone number and/or email to facilitate contact tracing, if necessary. Records of attendance must be retained for a minimum of one month. Where possible, do not use a common pen. Providing this information is voluntary for attendees and can only be used for the purposes of COVID-19 contact tracing.”

Some questions that can be asked when it comes to the facility are about mask use, and entry and re-entry rules. Some areas of the arena may not be fully accessible such as washrooms, change-rooms, and viewing areas. Another potential problem will be players spitting, sneezing, or release bodily fluids in other ways as that carries a high risk of virus transfer. Interaction and cooperation on these topics could result in changes to these guidelines, but government and health agency orders would both supersede any of Hockey Canada's recommendations.