WBLAHA families,
We have two important COVID-19-related updates to share. 

First, the City of White Bear Lake reached out because members of our association are not following COVID-19-related rink rules. From here forward, anyone who enters White Bear Sports Center without a mask will be denied entry. Those who remove their masks after entering (except players when on the ice) will be told to leave the rink. Additionally, per Minnesota Hockey, coaches must wear a mask while coaching. The rink staff will report any coach not wearing a mask.

Players are not allowed to arrive at the rink more than 15 minutes before scheduled ice time. They must be fully dressed--except skates, helmets and gloves--and leave the rink fully dressed. Under no circumstances should players undress down to their underwear in common areas.

Second, some association members have reached out with questions regarding the number of COVID-19 cases reported in our association and teams affected. Due to data privacy concerns, we cannot release that information to the association. We can, however, tell you that we have had a total of 13 positive cases reported across multiple teams since October 13. If your player is on a team where someone tests positive, you will be notified. We are working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health to determine the appropriate steps when someone tests positive. 

We would also like to inform you that the board approved a COVID-19 preparedness plan and it can be found on our website. We continue to update the COVID-19 resources since they change frequently.

Each team is required to designate a COVID-19 point person. This person can be the team manager or someone else associated with the team. If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 or you need to report your player testing positive, please work with your team COVID-19 point person or the association COVID-19 coordinator. Please use the Minnesota Department of Health decision tree when deciding what steps to take if you or your player experience symptoms or test positive.

It is important to all of us that we continue to play hockey. WBLAHA players and coaches are known for their passion for the game and the understanding that hockey is so much more than a stick and a puck on the ice. One way for us to demonstrate what hockey and our teams mean to us is by ensuring that we are doing what we can to look out for one another. The best way to do that right now is by following guidelines whenever we can and staying off the ice when we are sick!