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Minnesota Hockey Update on COVID-19

By Minnesota Hockey, 05/18/20, 4:00PM CDT

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Last week’s announcement by Governor Walz to lift the Stay At Home order and allow gatherings of 10 or less has fueled optimism about the potential re-opening of hockey. However, it should be noted that the recent Executive Order did not allow for the opening of youth sports in Minnesota, even if those sports can limit participants to 10 or fewer.

Minnesota Hockey has been working diligently with officials and organizations at the state and national level to provide a path for a safe return to the rinks and would like to share a few updates.

Minnesota Hockey has been a part of a coalition of youth sport organizations working with the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Education and Commissioner Tarek Tomes of the State of Minnesota to establish guidelines for opening youth sport activities.

Minnesota Hockey has also been partnering with the Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association, USA Hockey and Mayo Clinic on determining guidelines specific to returning to hockey in Minnesota. Minnesota Hockey will be sharing these guidelines with association leaders in the next week and will be releasing them publicly when youth sports are given approval to open.

Like all aspects of today’s world, hockey will need to look different in order to resume. We hope all associations and participants will embrace the changes needed to begin opening rinks safely. A few key characteristics will include:

  • Physical distancing
  • Enhanced hygiene habits
  • Increased cleaning of surfaces & equipment
  • Staying home when feeling ill or experiencing symptoms
  • A phased approach based on the risk assessment of various types of hockey activities
  • Following guidelines and requirements set by local and state health and government officials

For additional insight into considerations for reopening rinks, click here.

Minnesota Hockey continues to make the safety of players and families our number one priority during this uncertain time and will provide updates as additional information becomes available. We hope all of you are dealing with the COVID-19 situation in the best way possible and taking care of yourselves and your families.

Stay safe, stay active and stay positive!

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