At last, it’s official: High school hockey will be played in Connecticut this winter.
In fact, teams can begin practicing as soon as Tuesday, according to a Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference plan approved by the CIAC’s board of control Thursday. The plan, created with guidance from the state’s Department of Public Health and reviewed by the Sports Medicine Committee, was proposed Monday.
Per the release, Jan. 19 is the date teams can start practices, but some might start later based on district determination. The same goes for games, which are set to begin Feb. 8, pushed a week back from the previously proposed date of Feb. 1.
As with most things during these uncertain COVID-19 times, “This is a fluid document and will be updated as more data, health metrics, and sport specific information become available,” the document says.
Depending on when district superintendents and administrators decide it is safe for their schools to begin playing, teams can play a maximum of 12 games throughout the regular season. A maximum of two games will be played per week. Teams are allowed to schedule three games per week, however, they may only do so twice throughout the regular season.
While there won’t be any state championship this winter, the CIAC has said, there will be a “tournament experience,” held during the week of March 15-28. The last date to count toward the tournament standings will be determined by the leagues.
For scheduling purposes, “Ice hockey must schedule within leagues when possible,” the release says. “If schools need to schedule outside of leagues, distance between schools should be the number one scheduling priority.”
Additionally, backed by the interstate travel ban, home or away games against out-of-state or non-CIAC member schools will not be allowed during the winter season.
The CIAC recommends that spectators should not be allowed at any of these competitions, but, ultimately, it is up to the districts, as schools have varied rules regarding spectator attendance. If allowed, spectators, like players, coaches and officials, must wear masks at all times throughout contests when inside the rink.
Along with masks, social distancing will be enforced at all times, including on player and penalty benches, in official conferences, and in faceoffs and scrums.
Multiple mask breaks will be held throughout games at the first stoppage of play at or after the 4-minute, 8-minute and 12-minute mark of each period, as well, to give players and officials an opportunity to get water and change out masks, if need be.
To view the full document regarding the CIAC’s 2021 winter season, click here.
Liam Flaherty can be reached at liam.flaherty@hockeyjournal.com and on Twitter @_LiamFlaherty.
