CALGARY, Alta. – The following is a statement on behalf of Hockey Canada on the implementation of the organization’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.

“Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Hockey Canada and its board of directors have voted to implement a policy mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for all participants who are active in any international or national event hosted in Canada, including all on- or off-ice activities or programs hosted or controlled directly by Hockey Canada. This means that all participating players, coaches, team staff, on-ice officials, event volunteers, spectators and any other individual associated with an event who is in contact with the aforementioned group must have received the necessary doses of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the start of the event. Hockey Canada will consider exemptions based on guidance from government and public health authorities, as well as experts retained by the organization.

A great deal of advice and expertise was reviewed before enacting this policy, and we believe this is the best decision to allow our organization to move forward safely. Hockey Canada has been cautious in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic through our Return to Hockey efforts, and we continue to make decisions with the health and safety of our participants and communities in mind. We strongly believe this policy will assist us in making the hockey environment safe and will serve as a path to a normal Hockey Canada season schedule in due time, including bringing major events to a number of communities across the country in the safest way possible.

As Hockey Canada strives to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19, our organization is also strongly recommending COVID-19 vaccinations prior to participating in sanctioned activities of Hockey Canada and its 13 Members. Hockey Canada commends its Members, local hockey associations, leagues, teams and municipalities that have already implemented mandatory vaccine requirements in their jurisdictions, and will continue to work with our Members towards a more uniform approach across the country. Hockey Canada’s Members, associations and leagues are required to follow the advice of their provincial or regional public health authority as it relates to implementing the minimum standards specific to the prevention of COVID-19, including vaccinations.”

The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta., will be played under a National Interest Exemption regarding vaccination and COVID-19 protocols while allowing fully vaccinated ticket holders to attend.

To read the full Hockey Canada COVID-19 vaccination policy, please CLICK HERE. 

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and by using #OurGameIsBack.