With COVID-19 case numbers on the rise in Nova Scotia, the province announced today that restrictions on physical distancing and gathering limits are returning over the next few weeks.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, and lasting until at least the new year, the following restrictions impacting hockey will be in place:

• spectators are limited to 50 per cent of a facility’s capacity; spectator limits are also capped at a maximum of 150 people
• a limit of 60 participants indoors and outdoors applies to sports practices, games, and regular league play; physical distancing is not required
• tournaments are not allowed
• children age 11 and younger continue to be restricted from entering Nova Scotia to participate in sports and are also restricted from participating in them outside Nova Scotia

There are also new recommendations for close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases, including those who are fully-vaccinated. We detail those below.

REGULAR LEAGUE PLAY

We have clarified with Public Health that regular league play refers to the current league that your team is playing in. This includes provincial leagues.

MASKS

On the ice, masks are not required during practices, training sessions, and games. Off the ice, masks are required everywhere (especially in the dressing room).

It is extremely important that you continue to wear your mask when you are not on the ice.

Please note that coaches and instructors who work with more than one group must wear a mask at all times while inside the facility (including while on the ice).

CLOSE CONTACTS

As a result of the recent outbreak in Nova Scotia, all close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases, including those who are fully-vaccinated, now need to isolate until they have a negative result from a lab-based (PCR) test. The lab test should be performed at least 72 hours after the exposure.

In a hockey context, if two teams play a game within 48 hours of a positive exposure involving a player or coach on either team (meaning a player or coach on one of the teams tests positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours of the game), both teams (as well as the officials) would be considered close contacts. We recognize this is not spelled out clearly on the Public Health website but we have worked with Public Health to determine that this is what they mean.

Due to increased testing and rising positive cases, we are aware that Public Health may be delayed when it comes to reaching out to close contacts. We have seen examples of hockey associations and teams being proactive and abundantly cautious in terms of pausing activities after potential exposures. We commend these groups for prioritizing the safety of their members and wider communities.

For more information on what to do if you are a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, please click here.

If you have any questions about any of this or about a potential exposure, we encourage you to continue to follow the communication flow in the Rebound Plan 2.0.

To help curb the spread of COVID-19, Public Health is also strongly recommending regular rapid testing for all Nova Scotians. Learn more here.

Dr. Strang will be meeting with the sport sector tomorrow. We will take part in those discussions and will pass along any updates that come out of that meeting.

For now, please continue to be vigilant. It is vital that we do not become complacent. Please continue to wear your mask in the dressing room and everywhere else in the arena when you are not on the ice. Wash your hands often. Do not come to the rink if you are feeling unwell. Follow the Rebound Plan 2.0.

Nancy has been Volunteering for the GBMH 50/50 draw now for 26 years. Just wow! 

She began volunteering when her two sons started playing hockey and although they haven't played in quite some time she keeps coming back.

The great people, the amazing uplifting environment, helping her community, and helping kids play in a sport they love have her returning each Sunday. We asked her what her favourite thing about volunteering was and simply put she said "The people.”

Nancy has seen 26 years of winners and she want to see YOU win next! So grab your tickets today and you could be the next BIG WINNER!

COXHEATH, N.S. — The Glace Bay U15 AA Miners dropped a heartbreaker 5-4 to the County Islanders in the championship game at the 37th annual Ossie Fraser Memorial Tournament. 

The three-day under-15 'AA' event featured eight teams. The host Islanders, Strait Richmond Pirates, South Colchester Elks and Dartmouth Whalers formed Group 'A', while the Glace Bay Miners, Antigonish Bulldogs, Bedford Blues and Eastern Shore Mariners were in Group 'B'.

Our Miners finished with a record of 2-1-1. 

Congratulations on a hard fought tournament!!

Our female players had an amazing trip to Truro to watch Calgary and Boston play the first female professional hockey game in Atlantic Canada. 

It was a very entertaining hockey game with Calgary coming out on top by a score of 3-0. It was a great opportunity for our girls to see first hand a high level of hockey. Who knows, in the years to come, with hard work and a little luck some of these Glace Bay girls could end of playing at this level.