Last week, Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO)’s Return to Hockey committee approved the HEO ‘AAA’ Hockey League’s Option 2 plan to return to the ice.

The league is thrilled to gain the approval of both HEO and our provincial health officials. This allows our players to resume hockey in a safe and responsible way, while also receiving much-needed physical activity during fluid times.

Option 2 consists of an administrative change to allow the Eastern Ontario Wild into a cohort with the Ottawa Jr. 67’s and the Upper Canada Cyclones, and engage in Controlled Developmental Scrimmages. Ottawa Myers Automotive and the Ottawa Valley Titans will resume their previously established cohort at all age groups.

The U13, U14, and U15 cohorts must not exceed 50 players.

As a result, the three implicated associations will now begin the process of reducing their teams to 17-17-16. Association presidents will coordinate with the appropriate district chair on their next steps.

Schedules for the scrimmages will be created by member associations. Once the schedule is finalized, the league will promptly distribute it to all involved parties. It will be the responsibility of the league to coordinate the officials and create a schedule for distribution to HockeyTV.

As we begin our prudent return to the ice, we ask all stakeholders to remain vigilant and adhere to the strict guidelines our governing body and public health authority have implemented. This will ensure the safety of all our participants, and allow a seamless transition back to hockey.

Lucas Cacciotti,

President, HEO ‘AAA’ Hockey League