Red Zone Groups have all been notified by email with what schedule they should be following.
Sorry for the confusion over the last few days while we got this 8 week session up and running. The yo-yo of Red Zone - Grey Zone left us slightly behind with the news coming at 4pm on a Friday. We wanted to turn it around pretty quick so we didn't lose any potential ice time. We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation and hope there will be less confusion going forward.
For the next 8 weeks you will be following
Red Zone Groups. The schedule will be available online on the essa website. You should receive practice notifications and indications of any changes directly from our website. You can access the schedule
HERE.
In the Red Zone we can only have 10 skaters and 2 staff. So, the teams have been adjusted from what they were back in December to accommodate those requirements. Groups are made up of the players that chose to return for the next 8 weeks. We apologize for the delay in getting this email out as we were waiting for final numbers. Which meant waiting for 140 families to respond to the link about their plans to return. We did not want to leave any player out that wanted to get back on the ice.
We know how hard the last year has been and we, the Executive, have worked diligently to provide the players with an opportunity to get back on the ice. We are fortunate that town council did vote to keep the ice in the arena until April 30th. This is allowing our players and children an opportunity to get out on the ice, for some exercise and time with teammates, which we hope will be positive for both their mental and physical health.
As we head back to the arena for the first time since December we want to highlight some reminders about the arena protocols.
Key points:
#1 - EVERY Participant, coach, and parent/guardian spectators are to complete the online screening tool prior to arriving at the rink,
the day of their scheduled practice. Click
HERE.
#2 - The building will be unlocked 15 minutes prior to the scheduled ice time. If you are late you will not be granted access so please be at the arena 20 minutes before your scheduled time so you are ready to enter with the group.
#3 - Players are to arrive at the rink dressed with the exception of skates, gloves, helmets, and goalie equipment. Players are not to be dressing and undressing in the hallway/ skate change area. Failure to abide by these regulations may result in termination of future rentals. Change rooms are not open in the Red Zone.
#4 - Entering the building is restricted to Participants, and 1 Parent/Guardian per participant
#5 - Masks must be worn at all times, except when on ice by all facility users.
#6 - Water fountains and the canteen are not available.
We sincerely hope that this season gets to last the full 8 weeks but as we have all learned throughout the last year... anything is possible. Please enjoy what we have, while we have it. We are so glad that you decided to join us back on the ice and we hope that your player is happy to be back skating.