In a time when other sports organizations are starting up again during the COVID-19 pandemic, the players in the Oldtimers Hockey League were sent an email that their 2020-2021 season appears doubtful.

"It's hard to plan because it can be different by the start of our season," said Bernie Adilman, president of the Oldtimers Hockey League. "CARHA set up some guidelines and made some recommendations."

CARHA is a national, not-for-profit, sport organization dedicated to providing resources and benefits to the adult recreational and old-timers hockey market in Canada.

"They advise visors or full-face visors," said Adilman. "Also no handshakes, high-fives, nothing outside the rules. You'd get to the rink and leave after your game."

Hockey is on the recommended activated list for community and individual sport provided by Yukon Health – however, it's not the game people are used to seeing.

The 10-person maximum for gatherings must be adhered to and only non-contact skills can be practised, passing, shooting, defending and team structure.

Although the Oldtimers are unsure about their future season, they have still put in a request into the city to confirm their regular ice times so they will be prepared should the situation change.

In an emailed response to the Star, asking about arena openings and bookings, the city said it has proceeded with bookings in anticipation of an approved phase 2 (arenas, pools) plan, slated for later this summer.

"We haven't finalized any details yet, or submitted our phase 2 plan, which includes arenas, but we anticipate that we may request that groups submit a copy of their plan along with their booking."

The city expects to start discussions with the CMOH on phase 2 plan later in June. Phase 1 of reopening began Monday, when the Canada Games Centre opened its doors after being closed on March 18.

For any hockey club, the rinks at the Canada Games Centre and the Takhini Arena remain without ice. The Takhini Arena will remain closed until the fall.

The CGC ice plant was scheduled for major upgrades this summer, like replacing the cooling tower and the chiller.

The work was supposed to start in May, but, like many other projects, was delayed because of the pandemic.

Work on the CGC ice plant began June 11. The initial completion estimate for the project was six to eight weeks, but the contractors have submitted a revised schedule estimating four to six weeks.

Because of the revised estimate, city staff said they may be able to open ice Aug. 1 – two weeks early than anticipated. Current summer ice is slated to begin Aug. 15.

Groups looking to book city facilities will need to identify themselves in one of three categories as described in the sport and recreation guidelines.

• Sports and recreation organizations that employ staff need to create an operational plan;

• Sporting events need to submit an operational plan for review whether or not they employ staff; and

• Social, recreational or competitive sporting teams, groups and activities that operate without paid staff don't need an operational plan – however, it may be useful for assessing planned activities.

Groups will need to submit proof of CMOH approval of an operational plan before rentals being confirmed in City Recreation Facilities and School Properties.