WBLAHA families,
We’re committed to sharing the most up-to-date information on the hockey season as we learn additional details about return to play guidelines from USA Hockey, Minnesota Hockey, and state and local governments. We hope this continued information helps you feel more confident to register your child(ren) for the 2020-2021 hockey season.

We know many of you continue to watch for decisions from the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) on return to play for high school sports, and it has been unclear how decisions from MSHSL would affect association-based sports. We learned earlier this week that decisions by MSHSL will not affect association-based sports governed by USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey. These organizations follow guidelines and mandates by the state of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

As we mentioned previously, both USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey are currently sanctioning play. Minnesota Hockey announced this week that it will move forward with Phase 3 guidelines beginning Tuesday, September 1. Significant updates to the return to play guidelines include:

• Each association and team must have a designated contact who is responsible for concerns and communications related to COVID-19.
• Masks are now required inside arenas, per Governor Walz’s Executive Order, for players, coaches and spectators, with the exception of players on the ice for team activities.
• A maximum of two spectators per player should be allowed for games. If facility policies are stricter, teams must adhere to the facility policy.
• Inter-state travel and competition in Minnesota must be approved by the appropriate District Director.

Full details are available at: https://cdn2.sportngin.com/attachments/document/b5d8-2235978/Minnesota_Hockey_Return_to_Play_Phase_3_FINAL.pdf.

Finally, we’ve received a number of questions about opportunities for high school athletes to play hockey if MSHSL does not move forward with or delays the high school hockey season. We learned this week that Minnesota Hockey, in partnership with the boys and girls high school coaches associations, is in the early stages of exploring an alternate option for high school players if MSHSL substantially alters or cancels the high school season. We’ll provide more information as it becomes available.

Though this season will look different from every other hockey season, we’re committed to making it safe and fun for our players and families. We’re working diligently with rink managers, and soon with coaches, to fully adhere to return to play guidelines. But we’ll also need the support of our entire community as we work together to keep our kids on the ice. WBLAHA shares the sentiment communicated by Minnesota Hockey earlier this week: ‘Our goal is to start the season on time, get the kids on the ice, and take the appropriate steps to ensure we don’t have to stop and can provide a full season of safe hockey for our kids’. 

As always, reach out to any of our board members with questions.

WBLAHA Board of Directors

MN Hockey's Return to Play Guidelines  - Phase 3 (9.1.2020) 

WBLAHA COVID-19 Resources