All levels of Junior Hockey in Canada are currently awaiting word on when their season will be able to begin. In their return to play guidelines, Hockey Canada released a section committed to the execution of health and safety protocols for various levels of junior across the country. SJHL teams do not have to worry about Canada-US travel restrictions; inter-provincial travel issues could, but likely won't exist due to the Flin Flon Bombers location just inside the Manitoba border. SJHL teams and staff will be forced to follow the extensive list of health guidelines that exist around hockey itself, but will be forced to take it to another level when it comes to the travelling, and accommodations side of things.

Facility meetings have, and are taking place across Canada prior to this upcoming hockey season. Very specific guidelines and restrictions related to the facility itself will be discussed, including the input of enhanced hygiene techniques. Steps exclusive to Junior Hockey in the early stages will see a big emphasis put on transportation. Teams will see a thorough cleaning of the bus cabin after every trip, as well as precautionary things in place such as garbage cans, disinfectant wipes, and sufficient air flow.

As for in the room and on the ice, teams will be asked to clean all of their equipment from pucks to sticks daily. Only game personnel will be allowed into the locker room, as any media obligations will be moved to an area where physical distancing is necessary. Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be provided upon entry and exit, as well as in both medical and training rooms. Medical rooms will have masks and gloves, along with disinfecting equipment available upon entry. As for training rooms, physical distancing and proper health protocols will also be expected from teams.

Bussing is just one part that separates Junior Hockey from the other competition, as the extra need for scheduling hotels and creating meal plans will create more exposure opportunities. Players will be given a checklist of hotel items to disinfect daily, and will be asked to move to more private locations for team meals. Hotels must have a private room and dedicated people to serve meals to players and staff. Another thing being stressed to players is to disinfect their phone regularly.

Billets will certainly be required to follow extra public health guidelines as well, as in anticipation of current quarantine requirements, teams need to consider players coming from out of province/territory and necessary quarantine periods upon arrival. Billets should be required to complete a mandatory season-opening survey.

In conclusion, these same guidelines and protocols will exist for all hockey teams around Canada, though the added travel factor in junior will provide time and test results for the people that will ultimately decide the fate of minor hockey tournaments, and other competition. The Kindersley Jr. Klippers are waiting on official word for their season, as main camp has finished and the team looks to get ready to roll.