Hockey in Massachusetts is on hold until at least Nov. 7. State health officials announced Thursday night that indoor ice rinks and skating facilities are prohibited from operating until that date, due to an uptick of “COVID-19 clusters” that are happening at rinks across the state. Indoor rinks “may not host games, practices or any...
Hockey in Massachusetts is on hold until at least Nov. 7.
State health officials announced Thursday night that indoor ice rinks and skating facilities are prohibited from operating until that date, due to an uptick of “COVID-19 clusters” that are happening at rinks across the state.
Indoor rinks “may not host games, practices or any other on-ice hockey or skating activities” during this period, officials said.
This order does not apply to college and professional programs. Atlantic Hockey, which counts Holy Cross, Bentley, AIC and Sacred Heart among its members, announced plans recently to begin its season the week of Nov. 13-14.
State officials noted that there has been at least one hockey-related case of COVID-19 in at least 66 cities and towns. As of Wednesday, there have been 142,941 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 9,559 deaths in Massachusetts.
“This pause will allow for the development of stronger COVID-19 protocols to further protect players, families, coaches, arena staff and other participants, as well as communities surrounding hockey rinks,” state health officials stated.
Massachusetts Hockey, the state's ice hockey governing body, said in a statement: "As we have been throughout this process, we will be working closely with the Governor and his leadership team to create a safe environment for our players and their families. It is our goal to ensure players get back on the ice soon and safely.
"While many of the players, families and facilities throughout the state have been following the guidance as expected, there have been situations and areas where the Commonwealth feels compliance with the guidance has not been followed. Unfortunately, unless we are able to correct these issues, we would anticipate any further shutdown could be significantly longer than the current two weeks. This is related to both the guidance issued as well as cooperation with the contact tracing process."
New Hampshire closed its indoor rinks temporarily last week. Gov. Chris Sununu announced last Thursday an “intermission” for the sport for two weeks after six outbreaks associated with hockey were confirmed. State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan added that hockey has been directly connected to 158 coronavirus cases in the state, involving 23 different teams..
Sununu said the pause in activity at New Hampshire rinks will allow the state to come up with new procedures for cleaning and distancing at the rinks, and allow players and their families to get tested for the virus.
As of last Thursday, New Hampshire had reported 9,438 cases of COVID-19 and 463 deaths.
