Letter From the President
Hello
Millbrook Stars!
I would like
to take this time to welcome all returning Stars back to the ice for the
2021-2022 hockey season. For all new to
Millbrook area hockey players, and all new hockey players starting out with
Millbrook Minor hockey, welcome to our programming, our town, and our
rink.
We have officially kicked off our year and completed the first week of programming which gave almost every age group an opportunity to hit the ice once. The board of directors and I are very excited to see kids so happy to return to the rink this season. This first week and the rest of this month are skates with age groupings to get all our kids out on the ice. Our season officially kicks off October 12, 2021 and following our representative tryouts starting the end of the month, further team divisions will be created.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped to make the start of year possible. Our board is entirely comprised of volunteers who spend countless hours contributing in various ways to our programming, without you, we would not be here.
Our board of directors is here to help, and we want this year to be fun for all participants, so if you have a question, or a concern, reach out. We are hopeful for a more normal season this year despite our covid protocols, with that being said, we appreciate the patience of all our players, and parents as we all learn the “rules” together.
Throughout our first week we have collectively been asked some common questions, so I thought I would share some FAQs and important reminders to get our season off on the right foot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I bring my (son, daughter, brother, friend, grandparent, sibling, significant other) into the rink with me and my hockey player?
A: Each on ice participant is entitled to two (2) parents or guardians to accompany them into the rink. This has been extended to include siblings of the participant while maintaining a total of 2 persons to accompany the 1 on ice person. This means a player can have mom and dad, or mom and brother, or dad and grandpa, or brother and sister, as long has the total is not more than 2. Each player and parent or guardian must also have an online covid screener completed for themselves. (Fill out the parent/guardian line with the appropriate name) and they must be included on the sign in sheet for parents/guardians. **Even infant children are considered a person and count as 1 and must have a covid screener**
Q: How many online covid screening forms do I need to complete?
A: One for each person entering the building regardless of age, or whether they are going on the ice. All players and bench staff will fill out the appropriate parts of the form. All others (to a maximum of 2 per player) will enter their name in the parent or guardian section of the form. Both players and accompanying parties are also required to put their name and phone number on the contact tracing forms. This must be done for every ice time – even if there are multiple ice times in one day. The screener can be found here: https://millbrookhockey.com/Forms/4414/Covid_Screening_for_MDMHA/
Q: Can I bring my coffee/tea/water into the rink?
A: Yes, if it is in a re-usable/refillable container. No disposable containers will be permitted into the area as it is more likely to be left behind and is a potential hazard. Please note, if you forget your refillable container in the rink, it will be thrown into the garbage.
Q: Am I able to go back outside to my car (or my child wants to go play at the playground, can I go with them).
A: Once you are in the arena (through the front doors on the East side of the building), you are inside. If you leave the arena (through the back doors on the West side) you are out and will not be permitted re-entry.
Q: When are representative tryouts and how will I know?
A: Representative tryouts will begin the week of September 27, 2021. The ice times will be displayed on our calendar at www.millbrookhockey.com If you have completed the form with intention to tryout, please be reminded to forward your payment of $60.00 by e-transfer to [email protected] The payment must be received prior to the start of tryouts in order for your child to participate and cash and cheques will not be accepted the day of.
Q: I got an email telling me to come to the arena today, how do I know when my child plays next?
A: Your best bet is to check our schedule at www.millbrookhockey.com You can additionally sync our team/group calendars with the calendar on your phone. Be aware that as our season progresses that you will want to ensure you sync regularly to get all of our updates. We also send informational updates via newsletter, if you think you are not receiving it and you want to, please sign up on our website.
Q: Do you want to see proof of my vaccination?
A: Not yet, but per the OMHA vaccination policy you and any player born in 2009 and earlier will be required to have had a second dose received by October 16, 2021 to be able to participate in sanctioned activities (practices, games, tournaments, off-ice training, team events, etc.). All players and parents or guardians will be required to show proof of vaccination. Eligible players will not be approved to be rostered to a team without proof of vaccination. The full OMHA vaccination policy is available on our website
Q: Can I go in the change room with my child?
A: No, players who require assistance to dress/tie skates should come to the arena dressed with the exception of skates, helmet, and gloves. Only one (1) parent or guardian is permitted to accompany a child needing assistance to the dressing room corridor (hallway with benches) outside of the change rooms. Players needing assistance should on the bench outside the changeroom for help. Players who can ready themselves may use the dressing room. Please be reminded that 15 minutes is allowed prior to the ice time and 10 minutes post ice time. Masks are to be worn until ready to enter the ice surface.
Important Reminders:
Arrive on time: The doors open 15 minutes prior to each scheduled ice time. Please allow enough time prior to that to complete the covid screeners online, and the contact tracing forms on site. We ask our participants to aim for 30 minutes prior to the ice time.
Check the schedule: The full association schedule is available at www.millbrookhockey.com or sync your calendar with an individual team/group schedule by following the links and prompts on our website.
Change rooms: Change rooms are for players and coaches only. If your participant needs help or supervision, they must use the benches outside the change rooms.
Viewing area: Parents/Guardians/Siblings are to be in the viewing area (stands immediately to the left of the East doors. There is not standing/viewing from the lobby area, player bench or change room area. Failure to comply with the rules will result in the loss of our ice privileges.
Season Start Date: Our hockey season officially starts October 12, 2021
Representative Tryouts: Representative tryouts will start the week of September 27, 2021 and are available for the age groups U9, U11, U13, U18, U21. Your participant must have registered to try out for representative hockey on or before September 7, 2021. Payment is due by e-transfer to the [email protected] prior to the representative tryouts. No cash payments or cheques will be accepted.
Washroom Use: The accessible washroom in the main lobby is available for use during hockey activities.
Walking Track: is not open on evenings and weekends to reduce the potential contacts in the arena. Please stay in the approved areas clearly marked with directional arrows in the arena.
Thank you all for making our first week a success and I wish you a happy and healthy hockey season,
Bree