Riley the Raider, mascot for the Prince Albert Raiders. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

What Raider fans need to know before heading to the rink

Sep 17, 2021 | 1:03 PM

Just one day after the Government of Saskatchewan and Premier Scott Moe announced mask mandate and proof of vaccination policies, the Prince Albert Raiders are going to be one of the first organizations to put those measures into practice—well, sort of.

While the Raiders are holding their first WHL preseason game at the Art Hauser Centre against the Regina Pats, not much will change. The City of Prince Albert already instituted a mask mandate on all city buildings, including the Art Hauser Centre, back on Sept. 10.

“We’re thrilled to have you back in the building for the first time in 18 months,” Raiders business manager Michael Scissons said. “When you’re coming to the game, obviously first and foremost the City of Prince Albert, and now the Government of Saskatchewan have instituted a mask mandate. A mask will be required to enter the building tonight, as well as when you’re in your seat. The only time you can take it off is when you are eating or drinking.”

At least for the preseason, the mandatory proof of vaccination will not be in place. That won’t kick in until Oct. 1, when the Raiders will start their regular season against the Pats at the Art Hauser Centre.

Although showing proof of vaccination or a negative test will be required to gain access into the Art Hauser Centre, Scissons said more information will be made available as we get closer to Oct. 1.

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“With the announcement yesterday from the Moe government, and there’s still some more information that will trickle down to us. But Oct. 1, we’re talking about a double vaccine [or a negative test] being required to enter the game, as well as a mask. Let’s keep that straight as well, that does not come off. And we’ll figure out some of the details on some of the rules associated in doing that, but you will be required to show proof of vaccination at the door, prior to coming into the building.”

In the province’s release, they will allow athletes 18 years of age or younger to participate in physical activity in a public space indoors without a mask. But in the WHL, where players’ ages can range from 16 to 20 (15 in some cases as a call-up), that will not be the case. All players will be able to play the game, work out in the gym, and warm up for the game without a mask. Players will need to wear one when walking in and out of the rink, visiting with families, or during media interviews.

There is not a limit on the number of fans that can attend Raider games.

Puck drop will be at 7 p.m.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW