The Northern Ontario Hockey Association is another hockey organization that has come out with a vaccine policy.
"The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is committed to a return to the rinks," Sue Shepherdson, NOHA President, stated in a release.
"The safety of all our participants – players, team officials, on-ice officials, volunteers – is our number one priority. With this priority in mind, the NOHA Board of Directors has approved a motion that will require proof of COVID-19 immunization for all eligible participants (12 years of age and above and unless exempted), including players, team officials, on-ice officials, staff and volunteers, in order to participate in NOHA sanctioned programming.
Shepherdson notes that eligible participants will be required to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 31, 2021.
"Due to the timelines involved in receiving the first and second doses, as well as the 14-day waiting period in order to be fully vaccinated, individuals who are not presently vaccinated will require their first dose by September 17, 2021," she explained.
"The NOHA strongly believes that mandatory vaccination is an important step to support our members’ efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Ensuring that all eligible participants are vaccinated will provide us all with the best opportunity to keep our Players on the ice and to support regular play.
The NOHA will have additional details regarding the implementation of this policy, including information regarding exemption qualifications, providing proof of vaccination, etc. will be available in the next few days.
The NOHA joins the Ontario Hockey League and the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League in implementing a vaccination policy.