The Collingwood-based Junior hockey team was ready for the mandatory vaccination policy announced this week by the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).
For the 2021/22 season, all players, coaches, trainers, team and league staff, officials, volunteers, and billet families are required to be fully vaccinated before team activities begin.
The policy was announced by the OJHL on Aug. 25 in a joint news release with the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League and the Provincial Junior Hockey League.
The Collingwood Blues general manager Mike Tarantino said the team is in favour of the policy.
“Ultimately, we’re in support of anything that helps keep our players, families, and staff safe and helps us get back on the ice,” said Tarantino. “We think this is a step in the right direction.”
According to the release from the OJHL, all three leagues will comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code and will support anyone who is unable to be vaccinated for “substantiated medical reasons, and/or on grounds protected under the code.”
Tarantino said the Blues management had already been encouraging players, staff, and families to get vaccinated against COVID, and said the league’s policy was not a surprise for the Blues.
Since the policy was implemented, he’s had players, staff, and billet families send him their second dose vaccine receipt as proof of immunization. He passes the information onto the OJHL for their records.
The Ontario Hockey League (which includes the Barrie Colts) has already announced a similar vaccination policy, and so has the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). The GTHL is a minor hockey league, and so its mandatory vaccination policy applies to players born in 2009 or earlier.
“I think you’re going to see everybody head this way,” he said, noting the Toronto Maple Leafs are even requiring fans to be vaccinated or take a COVID test before attending a game.
The OJHL policy does not include spectators. This year, the Blues are able to have 50 per cent capacity in the stands and lounge at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena for home games (based on current restrictions). That would allow up to 650 people to attend local games.
Spectators will have to wear masks, but will not be required to provide proof of vaccination.
“A lot of that comes down to what we’re able to monitor,” said Tarantino. “With fans, it would be difficult to track, logistically … it’s important to note there isn’t any interaction between fans and the players.”
The OJHL 2021/22 season stars on Oct. 1, and the Collingwood Blues will be hosting a home opener that night at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena.
