Effective immediately, the Directors of the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) have approved the OMHA’s request to implement 5 vs. 5 hockey across the OMHA jurisdiction at the divisions of U10 and above.
 
The decision to allow the OMHA to deliver 5 vs. 5 hockey does not constitute a further progression through the OHF Return to Hockey Framework. Specifically, the OHF remains in Stage 3B. 
 
The safety of all participants remains the top priority. The OMHA works closely with the OHF, Hockey Canada and the Government of Ontario to ensure game play and on-ice sessions can continue in the safest way possible.

The OHF approval of the OMHA’s exemption request includes: 

• 5 vs. 5 Modified game play with game play rosters of 11 (10 players + 1 goaltender) where permitted under the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework and Regional Public Health Unit (PHU) guidelines. 
• Game play cohort/bubble of 50 participants remains in place. 

"We understand the importance of hockey right now for our kids. The effects of their social and mental health include sports and the goal has always been to get kids back on the ice in the safest way possible," said OMHA Executive Director Ian Taylor. "We started the year cautiously with 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 game play where it was permitted and we hope this announcement is a little bit of light to look forward to in the second half of the season."

An Association’s approval is contingent upon continuing strict adherence to provincial health regulations and the safety protocols established. The use of OHF 5v5 Modified Playing Rules will follow the Hockey Canada Safety Guidelines and OHF Return to Hockey Framework. Following the safety rules created by municipalities and facilities must continue. 
 
The current Ontario Regulations only permit team or game play in areas in the Prevent-Green, Protect-Yellow and Restrict-Orange categories of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open. Associations in the Control-Red or Grey-Lockdown categories of the framework are not permitted to participate in any game play or scrimmages.