Northern Health Units Partner with NOJHL for “Vaccine Playoffs”

TIMMINS, Ont. — The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) is teaming up with five northern health units to host a friendly “Vaccine Playoff” competition amongst teams.

The goal of the competition is to encourage youth and all eligible hockey fans to get their COVID-19 vaccination.

Team vaccination rates will be posted starting Wednesday, July 14, 2021.

Participating health units include the Algoma Public Health, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Porcupine Health Unit, Public Health Sudbury & Districts, and the Timiskaming Health Unit.

“For youth in the North, NOJHL players are viewed as role models,” said Dr. Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit. “The NOJHL players are receiving their vaccinations to get back to the ice safely and we are hoping this can have a positive influence on our community members so they too can get back to the activities they love, or back into the stands, with the added protection of COVID-19 vaccination.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the NOJHL! The players are leading by example and showing how we can all take action to protect our communities,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “Being able to safely get back to the activities we love is a powerful motivator for everyone to get vaccinated
and give us great hope. The NOJHL’s support and leadership is exactly the right type of encouragement we need at this time to reach our vaccination goals.”

Robert Mazzuca, Commissioner of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League added: “The NOJHL is proud to support the efforts of our Regional Health Units as they strive to provide vaccinations to everyone within their communities. Our players are proud to be role models to the youth of the 12 communities that we represent, and we encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

He also provided: “The NOJHL looks forward to returning to the arenas in a fully-vaccinated and safe environment for our players, hockey fans and our team staff.
Our teams are eager to participate in the “Vaccine Playoff” event starting July 14th, 2021!”

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in reducing COVID-19 infections and related hospitalizations. COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate, and even young and healthy individuals have experienced severe outcomes from a COVID-19 infection. The more people who get the COVID-19 vaccine, the more protected the whole community will be and the quicker we can all return to the things we love.

To get a COVID-19 vaccine please visit the website of the Health Unit in your area:

• Algoma Public Health
• North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
• The Porcupine Health Unit
• Public Health Sudbury & Districts
• The Timiskaming Health