PHO’s vaccine requirement for live sports gives teams “defined path” to follow

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With the new order put in place pertaining to proof of vaccinations required for entry into sporting events, some sports organizations are finding it easier to now move ahead.

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“I think it does make it a little bit easier for us in some sense,” explained Andy Beesley, VP of Business with the Prince George Cougars. “Obviously, there are a lot of details to be worked out. The biggest thing for us and for our fans is that we just want to have a path to follow, and some direction and leadership, I think we have been given that. We’re going to be really happy to follow the rules and make it so then everybody feels really safe about coming to our games.”

The Cougars are still looking towards this upcoming season as if it’s all systems go, understanding there are still a few decisions that need to be made pertaining to cross-border travel, but Beesley confirms the league has several plans of action it’s considering.

“The league’s doing a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes for exemptions and so on to try to make this happen. Having said that, again, there is some uncertainty so I can assure you there is a plan ‘A’, a plan ‘B’, and a plan ‘C’ for scheduling,” said Beesley. “Right now, we are going for a full-blown ahead for our season to continue.”

Beesley said they’re not expecting any American teams to be coming up to the CN Centre until later in October so the league does have a bit of a buffer period.

Just last week, the league announced all WHL roster players, hockey operations staff, and other team and WHL office personnel along with officials must be full vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the start of the 2021-22 season, and with the province’s recent announcement the Cougars are hoping fans can come to games feeling safe.

“I think the relief we’re feeling is we have a more defined path to follow and that people know if you’re going to come to a Cougars game at the CN Centre, you’re going to be around fully-vaccinated people and that all of our safety protocols are going to be in place,” said Beesley.

Whether it’s a Cougars game at the CN Centre, the Spruce Kings at the RMCA, or the Timberwolves once basketball gets underway at the Northern Sport Centre, organizations are hopeful their fans come out to support them loud and proud, all while having the peace of mind they’re safe.