Minor hockey is back in Oshawa, Clarington and the rest of Durham as health restrictions are eased

Hockey is back!

With Durham gradually re-opening today as the Province begins easing COVID-19 public health restrictions, house league and rep hockey teams can also resume their season.

Practices, games and tournaments are back on, starting today at leagues across Durham. Parents will be able to watch their kids play, as the arenas will open to 50 per cent capacity (or 500 people, whichever is less) if the parents and the children (12 and up) are fully vaccinated and can show the enhanced vaccine QR code.

Leagues in Oshawa, Pickering, Clarington, Whitby, Ajax, North Durham and Brock are all ready to go as arenas open today.

For those concerned with the fees – especially after missing a big chunk of the season – leagues are asking parents to be patient and check the websites for information.

“Our first priority is to get the kids back on the ice,” said Bob Babin, the chair of NASC Hockey in Oshawa. “A future communication will follow once we have had the opportunity to calculate the finances out for the remainder of this year and we will communicate this in a future email.”

In a message from the Clarington Recreation Hockey League, parents and players are reminded there is no eating or drinking in the arenas and concessions will be closed. Players will still be allowed water on the bench.

In Whitby, concessions will be open, but patrons must be seated to eat or drink.