Mask up for some hockey action.

That's the message from the Swift Current Broncos as they responded yesterday afternoon to the Saskatchewan government's newly imposed mask mandate for indoor public spaces.

The team issued a press release making some last-minute changes to their attendance policy beginning with tonight's preseason game against the Moose Jaw Warriors; requiring that all attendees wear masks at all times, as well as other related measures.

  • Mandatory masks must be worn at all times throughout the game while in the iPlex.
  • No food or beverage will be sold during the game in order to ensure that masks will not need to be removed at any time.
  • Attendees who remove their masks will be asked to leave the venue; there will be a zero-tolerance policy implemented.

Additionally, the team says that they will continue to host vaccine clinics at the home games in the iPlex for both preseason games, and are throwing in some added incentives for residents to take the opportunity, such as free entry into that game, or a signed puck if that resident is already a season ticket holder.

While the loss of concession revenue will undoubtedly be a blow to the team's coffers, ensuring full compliance with the public mask mandate made it necessary, as the press release explained:

"The additional measures of removing the sale of food and beverage are the result of thorough consultation with our committee of team doctors and key stakeholders. The Broncos’ committee of team doctors are deeply invested in the health and safety of our community and our players, and it is at their insistence that we do not operate a public gathering without these additional measures to ensure full adherence to mandatory mask-wearing, and further prevent the spread of Covid-19."

The release goes on to praise the doctors for leading the community's health recovery and say that they value their perspective and expertise.

"The dangers posed to our community by the Covid-19 virus, including the exponentially contagious delta variant, are substantial and extremely concerning. We support the provincial government’s decision and it is our hope that by implementing these measures for preseason, and the further proof of vaccination measures when required, we will reduce the impact on our community and allow the Broncos to continue to play throughout the year."

More details on the proof of vaccination measures that take effect for the team's October 1st home opener will be announced at a later date.