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Gliding into a 'new normal' at the Bell MTS Iceplex When Winnipeg businesses shut down in March, professional and recreational sports also came to a hard stop. As COVID-19 case numbers dropped in June, excitement rose as Bell MTS Iceplex announced it could finally put players back on the ice. "Seeing the excitement on the kids' faces coming back to the rink has been quite fulfilling. I believe it was important to open not just for participants' physical and mental health, but also for families, to give them a place to go for recreation and to get some sense of normalcy back," says Bell MTS Iceplex General Manager, David Sattler. The 'new normal' meant health protocols were put in place at the beginning of June with smaller group sizes and limiting spectators. Enhanced cleaning, health assessments and a check-in process for all guests were added as well as markers and rules for physical distancing on and off the ice. Now, larger groups are able to rent the ice and play including the Winnipeg Recreational Hockey League (WRHL). "What we found was that the demand for hockey programming was significant, but if there is another shutdown or slowdown, we will be ready to institute programming really quickly." Sattler is hoping another shutdown can be avoided but he says the 17 full and 60 part- time staff will always keep one thing in mind; be flexible. "What is the same and normal today, may not be that way tomorrow so you have to be able to roll with the changes and understand the public's health and safety are the most important thing when you're dealing with a worldwide pandemic. Take it one day at a time and don't get too far ahead," says Sattler. MEGILL-STEPHENSON COMPANY Courtesy of Megill-Stephenson Company 32 TH E WINNIPEG INVE STOR