1.12.21

Minnesota Hockey has made a few tweaks to Phase 5 as we prepare for games to start this week. The updated version is attached and key changes include:

• Strongly discouraging locker room use, but no longer preventing it
• Allowing for small drawstring bags or small backpacks to carry smaller items
• Allowing goaltenders in 15 minutes before scheduled ice times as opposed to 10

Lastly, we have received a number of questions regarding the two spectators rule. We understand there are challenges with that limit, but below is the main rationale. 

• MDH strongly recommends a limit of 1 or 2 spectators per player
• It simplifies contact tracing as each team can monitor who attends their games and have easily accessible contact tracing, rather than requiring a pre-event registration system for every game. 
• It aligns with the rules this fall for spectators. 

Minnesota Hockey has released its guidance for Phase 5, following the Governor's announcement and MDH updates (also attached) yesterday. As usual, changes are highlighted in red font. A few key notes include:

- Phase 5 goes into effect Jan. 14 when games begin. One exception is one spectator per player may be allowed at practices effective immediately, but spectators at practice should still be minimized to the greatest extent possible. 

- 2 spectators per player with exceptions for young siblings will be allowed at games

- 3 coaches will be allowed on the bench during games

Minnesota Hockey is continuously evaluating these rules and guidelines and may have additional tweaks (ex: locker rooms, bags) to Phase 5 before it goes into effect next week. However, we wanted to get the changes regarding spectators to you as soon as possible.

 Below is Phase 5 and the MDH Sports Guide as  of 1.6.21

From MN Hockey (1/4/2021): 

We have some good news to share. First off, hockey is back!! Plus, Minnesota Hockey has secured approval from MDH for the use of the Bauer Splashguard in addition to the CCM Game On mask. Please see the attached update on HECC masks for details. 

Also, we have developed an FAQ sheet on the mask mandate with answers to many of the most common questions to date. We hope this helps navigate this challenging topic and appreciate your patience over the past week as we've worked to confirm these details. 

Lastly, we will be waiting to release our Phase 5 guidelines until the state releases their guidance (hopefully soon!). One change we will be making from this past fall is allowing three coaches on the bench during games. More to come!

Thank you! 

---
Derek Ricke

Marketing & Communications Manager

Minnesota Hockey

Below you will find the update on the HECC Masks and Q&A from MN Hockey. 

Hello WHA Members, 

What a whirlwind of a year! We are hoping that things will settle down and we will be able to move forward with our hockey season. Information has been fast and furious with several changes during the "pause". However, today it appears we have the most concrete information on what to expect and that is why we are reaching out to you all. The caveat of the year---this is all subject to change should the need arise. 

Here is a timeline everyone should be aware of as we move forward with the WHA Season: 

• January 4th: Full steam ahead with practices. 
• January 14th: Game start date. Teams will start with a fresh slate. Games that were played prior to the "pause" will not count towards season records--they will be considered scrimmages. Each team will get 10 district games (5 home/5 away). 
  • No resurfacing during a game. 
    • Game Length:  All games will remain as outlined in the District 6 rulebook (60 minute and 75 minute) with the exception of 90-minute games (Bantam AA, Bantam A, Girls 15UA) will be reduced to 75 minutes as ice resurface between 2nd and 3rd periods will be eliminated.
• Regular Season Dates: 
  • AA/A/B1/B: January 14 – March 12
  • B2/C:  January 14 – March 19
  • Squirt/10U: January 14 – March 28
  • Mites/8U:  January 14 – possibly into April. More details to follow.
• NO District 6 Playoffs!!!!

Lots of New Rules, Some the same...

• Pod sizes for practice are 25 with two pods allowed on the rink at the same time. 
• Rostering has been extended until January 31. 
• Face coverings are required at all times, including practices and games. 
• NO SPECTATORS AT ALL. 
  • May have all coaches-- but only two on the bench. 
  • May have team manager(s) present. 
  • May have a videographer (1 only). 
  • Must have minor officials (2 families only--clock, scoresheet, penalty boxes). 
• Can only enter the arena 10 minutes in advance of ice time. 
• Kids must arrive fully dressed (minus goalies who must come 1/2 dressed). 
• No locker rooms to be used at all. 
• No bags into arenas at all (minus goalies). 

These are subject to change at any time!

Please see the attached Phase 4 Return to Play Rules & Guidelines and the Positive COVID-19 Case Guidelines. You will also find the MN Department of Health COVID-19 Sports Practice Guidance for Youth and Adults. 

Minnesota Hockey is planning to implement Phase 5 of its Return to Play Rules and Guidelines when games begin on January 14. Details regarding Phase 5 will be released upon further guidance being released by the State of Minnesota.  

We are adding volunteers to help us support the new rules. We will be offering DIBS hours for adults to help the WHA and the WIA manage the flow of the skaters, to direct them to appropriate locations for skate tying and get them in and out of the building in a timely manner, as well as to enforce mask usage, and dress requirements. Please consider signing up for these DIBS opportunities!

Thank you for your patience as we bring hockey back to life! It will take every single one of us to get the job done. We appreciate your support moving forward. 

Sincerely, 

Nikki Siddons

WHA President

2021 has arrived and it's time to begin the announcement of our Raffle Calendar Winners! Winners will notified at the beginning of the month they win in and posted HERE. 

Congratulations and thank you for supporting Waconia Hockey! 

The schedule has been posted on the Mites Program page and emailed to players.  Check it out! 

Registration for the 2020-2021 season is now open! 

Want to learn more about what's happening in WHA and our Board? Check out Board Meeting Minutes HERE! 

New Updates! Check out our COVID-19 Preparedness page. 

More info regarding a reschedule will be coming soon!