Hello Hockeyheads ,
In light of ongoing developments resulting from the Worldwide pandemic Coronavirus, and after consulting with both medical experts, a conference call with Paradice Ice Skating Officials, taking into account the set mandates from the New Zealand government and the advice of the NZ Ministry of Health. The Hockey House has now determined a course of action moving forward.
As yet, New Zealand has less than 10 cases of confirmed COVID-19. The Ministry of Health advises that a wide spread community outbreak occurring prior to April 5th(the last scheduled playoff game) is expected to remain low. During the remaining playoff schedule, the HOCKEY HOUSE will assist PARADICE ICE SKATING and will work together and help to take additional steps to ensure the safety and health of our members.
As a collective, "We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we will encourage our players and other members of the BHL & FHL communities to take all reasonable precautions -- including by self-quarantine, where appropriate”.“Our goal at this point, as there are just 16 days of playoffs remaining, is to safely resume the playoffs, with knowledge, confidence and steps in place to protect ourselves and each other. All parties support the opportunity to compete so that we may be able to award the Frontyard & Backyard Cups for Season 7”. We do so with increased awareness and extreme caution as well as with the support and blessing of our current playing facility.
At the moment there are NO handshakes following non – elimination games already. That procedure will continue. However, following elimination matchups moving forward, teams will be asked to line up along the blue lines for a mutual stick-raise salute to avoid the close contact of standard elimination handshakes and further reduce the risk of transmission.
Until then, we thank BHL & FHL families for your support in aiding us in making this decision and wish you and your families to stay happy and healthy."
Keep Your Mitts clean & Sticks on the Ice,
Cam “Punchy” Green
Hockey House NZ
Co-Founder / President
punchy@nzbhl.com
