skip navigation

MH President Clarifies Impact of Pause

By Minnesota Hockey, 11/19/20, 12:00PM CST

Share

Minnesota Hockey Family,

As we all know the Governor issued an executive order that has paused youth sports in Minnesota at 11:59 PM on November 20, 2020. This pause has obvious effects on the operation of Minnesota Hockey and its associations and teams. I want to make clear that the Minnesota Hockey organization will support and adhere to the directives of the executive order of the Governor of Minnesota.

What this means:

All Minnesota Hockey rostered teams are not allowed to play during the designated pause time period. This includes play outside of Minnesota in bordering states. Play is defined as practice, scrimmages, games and tournaments.

  • No organized team skates on an outdoor rink, pond
  • No small group skates indoors or outdoors
  • Minnesota Ice Arenas will be closed.  
  • Virtual coaching only.  No in-person instruction.

Failure by an association, team and or coach to follow the directives outlined in the government issued executive order could result in severe sanctions to a team or coach. These sanctions could include loss of privilege to participate in post season play including District, Regions and State tournaments. The failure of an association to enforce the directives of the executive order could result in sanctions to the association including the loss of ability to host tournaments.

It has been made clear to myself and other leaders of Minnesota Hockey that this pause on youth sports is an attempt to ensure that the winter sports season can continue to completion, uninterrupted after the pause. This will only occur if people care enough about the season to follow the directives of the Governor’s order. Failure to follow the directives by some will shed negative light on our entire organization and could effectively cancel the entire winter youth sports season for ALL sports.

Steven Oleheiser
President
Minnesota Hockey

Most Popular