The League Executive met on Tuesday Nov 3 2020 and made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020/21 AOHL hockey season.

Although very disappointing, it was ultimately the right decision in light of current Covid-19 pandemic trends and the challenges / efforts required to establish a safe return to play environment. 

The following were the major factors that led us to our decision :

• 50 player cohort would limit divisions to 4 teams
• No players can play in any other league
• A limited amount of ice is currently available on Sunday
• Play would be 4 on 4 (9 players/team)
• Significant adjustment to rules would be necessary to minimize contact on ice
• No assurances that the Town of Ajax will be approving hockey to proceed as of the beginning of January. Potential 10-12 game season.
• Players required to come dressed to the arena.
• Entry to Village arena allowed only 10 minutes before ice time and exit required 10 minutes after games.
• No change rooms.
• Increasing Covid-19 infection rates
• Mandatory contact tracing and quarantining of entire team on a positive test result of an individual

2020 Deposit Refunds – Revised Policy

Every player is entitled to a refund of their deposit.

If you request a refund, it will not impact your status for registration for the 2021/22 season.

The League will do a follow-up in March/April timeframe for all players registered in the 2019/20 season to confirm your status for 2021/22.

To minimize the administration for issuing of refunds,  please only request a refund if you do not intend to register for the 2021/2022 season. If you do not request a refund ,  it will be held for the 2021 season deposit.  Players can still make decision during the registration process for 2021/22 for return of their deposit if they choose not to play at that time.

Players must notify   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   by November 22nd to receive a refund. Refunds will be sent out by early December.

Your League Exec thank you for your understanding and support.  We look forward to reconnecting in the spring when we begin our registration for the next season.

Wishing you and your families a safe and healthy winter.

AOHL Executive

2020/21 Season Update 

Town of Ajax Ice Rental status

o   Pads 3 & 4 at ACC and the Village Arena are the only ice pads opened (as of September 14^th)

o   Arena rentals are currently available to community youth ice groups only with Provincial Sports Organizations & National Sports Organizations (PSO/NSO) return to play protocols in place. (e.g. AMHA, Durham West, Figure Skating)

o   This is part of a phased re-opening of ice that will focus on the safety and protection of our residents, sports teams and community groups while complying with the health and safety protocols advised by Durham Region Public Health.

o   There is no set timeline for opening up to the next phase.   

·       Pickering and Oshawa have moved forward to open up their ice to expanded user groups, however – we are playing in Ajax.

·       Given current Covid trends – if we can proceed with a season, it is unlikely to begin prior to January 2021.

·       As soon as we receive notification from the Town on Ice Contracts and Facility Return to Play protocols, the Executive will meet to discuss viability of moving ahead with a shortened season.  The website will be updated as soon as we have any further updates.

Here is an interesting article.  It is unlikely that any social distancing or on ice protocols had taken place; but it is clear hockey arenas are very conducive for spreading of the virus.  Should we return to play this season - you can expect some rigid protocols within the facility and on the ice.

 https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/cdc-warns-of-superspreader-potential-at-beer-league-hockey-games-1.5147463

Brent Minaker

AOHL President

Former AOHL player Tony O'Brien recently passed away.  Tony was a talented hockey player and strong supporter of our League. He stepped away from the AOHL to focus on coaching in Ajax Minor Hockey.  He was a very positive coach and mentor.  We will always remember his smile and passion for hockey.

Link to his obituary.   https://memorials.barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com/tony-o-brien/4350093/index.php  

Leighton Lee passed away on September 25, 2020, from pneumonia, unrelated to COVID 19. He joined the Ajax Oldtimer’s Hockey League in 1977, after moving to Ajax in 1975, where he played until 2018 making many friends along the way.

Leighton immigrated to Canada in 1950, from Hong Kong, with his brother and parents where he went to elementary and high school in the Toronto area. In 1970 he graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in mechanical engineering. Leighton, however decided to find employment elsewhere with the Canadian Government, from 1971 until 2008, first as an Immigration officer and then as an IT manager.

His passions were hockey and golf. He is survived by his son Jason and brother Clifford. Leighton was a kind man, who lived a simple life, but anyone who truly knew him will tell you he was a practical joker who enjoyed a good laugh, but most importantly, he would do anything to support those he cared about.

 Jason has followed in his father’s footsteps and currently plays in the AOHL.

Thanks for the great memories Leighton!

The Town of Ajax is proceeding with opening of ice pads at ACC 3, 4 and Pickering village as of September 14th.  This means there are 2 less ice pads than normal. 

Meetings are being scheduled by the Town with the various Ice User groups to review ice allocations and RTP protocols.    

The Executive will meet on September 15th to review Town of Ajax protocols, ice allocation and make a decision on whether to proceed with Registration.

As per the August Update  – should we feel it is safe to proceed, it will take 4-6 weeks from Registration before play can resume.

Ever since the premature end of our season in March, the AOHL executive has been working with the town, public health, our insurance provider and monitoring the current situation as it pertains to starting our 2020/2021 AOHL hockey season. 

As noted in the Covid-19 survey that was sent out to our members in July, when hockey does return there are likely several restrictions which will impact everyone to some extent but are essential to ensure the health and safety of our players.  

We are in contact with the Town of Ajax Facilities for updates on Return to Play protocols as well as updates from other governing bodies (including OHF, Ontario Health Department).

If we do proceed, the expectation is it will take 4-6 weeks from that decision before our league can start-up.  As it stands now, there will be no hockey expected until late October/November timeframe.

The Executive will next meet later in September to discuss the viability of managing a hockey season, while keeping the health and safety of our players top of mind. An update will be posted on the website along with an email to all players in the league last year to ensure everyone is aware of the progress of the AOHL return to play status.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer – and stay healthy!

Brent Minaker

AOHL President

We hope that everyone is well, safe and managing through these strange times of ours. 2020 will not be forgotten any time soon.

During these past few months, the executive has been working behind the scenes with sports bodies and the the town to determine what the startup of our league will look like for next year and the restrictions, the guidelines and any procedural changes we may be required to put in place as it relates to Covid-19. However, as a league we need to formally approve last year's financials, approve appointees and discuss topics that benefit the league by hosting the AOHL AGM. We will also undoubtedly discuss the Covid-19 situation, the restrictions imposed and the potential for changes for next season, but primary focus will be to close out the 2019/2020 season.

Unfortunately with current restrictions in place on social gatherings, challenges in finding a location and providing those not wanting to attend in person we will be having this year's AGM via video conference on Wed. July 15th @ 7:00pm 

If you would like to attend the AGM, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by July 14th in order to receive the invite. If there is something you would like to have added to the agenda, please include it in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

With great sadness we learned that Mike Ryan recently passed away on June 26, 2020. His passing was unrelated to COVID-19.

Mike was a great guy and will be fondly remembered.

Mike was a long-time player and executive with the Ajax Oldtimers Hockey League. He retired from the league a few years ago. 

He served as President,  Team Rep, VP, and Referee-in-Chief and was always the first to help or initiate events with the league. Mike was a doer...

Mike was also a master plumber, pipe-fitter, and repair guy that always stepped up to help a friend, friend of a friend, or anyone that needed help with plumbing, A/C, gas-fitting or just advice. He taught pipe-trades at Durham College for many years and then at the Union Hall - if someone graduated from Mike's courses, they knew what they were doing... or they didn't pass.

He is greatly missed... RIP

Sent: March 13, 2020 8:48 PM

Subject: AOHL season cancelled - Covid-19

Hello all,

Earlier this evening, the town updated their position and have closed programs and facilities until April 5 (tentative). This was an expected announcement based on the overriding concern for social distancing and doing everything possible to reduce the spread of Covid-19. 

https://www.ajax.ca/en/novel-coronavirus-update.aspx#

Sadly, this effectively brings our season of hockey to an unexpected and untimely end. Time to hang up the blades, wash the equipment until next year.

Also as previously communicated by Brent, the Year End AOHL banquet has also been cancelled.

Team reps: 

• Please send out communication to your your players advising of the cancellation of the rest of the season as well as the banquet.
• Please collect the jerseys and socks from your players. Once received, please advise of items requiring replacement for the 2020/2021 season. Please try to collect this by the end of March. I would like to have order requirements by the AGM and place the order in April to avoid any last minute issues for next year.
• When jerseys are returned you may also want to collect the deposit for next year and return any money collected for the banquet.

At this time, the AGM is still scheduled for April 8th but that could change depending on how this outbreak unfolds, it's severity and who it impacts. Further communication will be sent out in advance as to the time and location so you can advise those on your team wishing to be in attendance. 

Hopefully we all stay safe and we'll see everyone at the AGM.

Regards

Brad Elliott - Secretary AOHL