Please read the COVID-19 Policy and Preparedness Plan for the all of the best and most accurate information.

Updated January 3rd, 2021 for Minnesota Hockey Phase 4.

Minnesota Hockey's Return-to-Play and Positive Test Guidelines, which we follow, are below for your review.

If you need to report a COVID-19 positive test result or exposure, please fill out the registration at this link.

Until at least 5 pm on the Saturday before each MSH event, you can fill out the certification for anyone who will be attending the event the next day to bypass the Symptom Screening by your team's COVID-19 Coordinator at the below links. Of course, if you develop symptoms after certifying, please stay home!

What do I do if my player has tested positive for COVID-19 or learned that they were exposed to a person who tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a Minnesota Special Hockey event?

First, get the medical care needed, of course! Then, please immediately fill out our confidential COVID-19 Reporting Registration online at this link.

Who is obligated to report COVID-19 positive tests or exposures?

Our policy, Minnesota Hockey, and the Minnesota Department of Health require that anyone who has attended an event—whether it be a player, coach, volunteer, team manager, parent, or other spectator—must report to us so that we can take the proper steps to advise others of the exposure.

When should a participant not come to Special Hockey?

You may not attend if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or someone in your household has, if you have been exposed to a person who tested positive for COVID-19, if you experience symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been out of the country in the last 30 days.

The Decision Tree and Guide from the Minnesota Department of Health should provide some guidance regarding evaluating your symptoms. If you would not go to school or to work, do not come to Special Hockey.

If a Special Hockey participant has tested positive for COVID-19, when can that person return to Special Hockey events?

A participant can return once 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared or the participant tested positive for COVID-19, 24 hours have passed since the participant last had a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, and any symptoms have improved.

What happens if Minnesota Special Hockey learns that someone at one of our events has tested positive for COVID-19?

Our COVID-19 Task Force will do the following:

1. Promptly advise the Team Manager of any team involved and ask the Team Manager to call all players and/or their guardians, volunteers, and coaches to advise them of the nature of the exposure (i.e., if a one-team practice, the players, coaches, and volunteers registered with that team or, if a multiple-team event, all players, coaches, and volunteers registered with any participating team).
2. Promptly email all individuals associated with the implicated teams advising them of the nature of the exposure, including all opponents over the previous 14 days, while maintaining that person’s confidentiality in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
3. Notify the Minnesota Department of Health of confirmed cases. MSH will then coordinate with the Minnesota Department of Health regarding any further communication that must occur to individuals who had close contact with that individual notifying them of a positive test.
4. Notify the involved arena of the positive test result.

What will happen when we show up at the arena?

Different arenas will have different requirements. Our policy is as follows:

• Do not enter the arena until you have been checked by your team COVID-19 Coordinator.
• Players may arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before scheduled ice time. Anyone arriving earlier than 10 minutes before their start time should wait outside of the facility and be socially distanced from others.
• Players must arrive dressed, except for their skates and helmets.
• Absolutely no bags are allowed in the arena.  Goalies can bring a bag to carry the gear that they need to put on at the rink.  Goalies should arrive at least half dressed.
• Players must be spaced 6 feet apart as they wait to enter.
• Everyone must wear a mask at all times.  This includes players and coaches/volunteers while on the ice.  The masks must cover the nose and mouth.  Anyone without a mask will not be admitted to the arena.
• If the player has pre-registered that they are symptom-free, the team’s COVID-19 Coordinator will let the player enter the arena.
• If the player has not pre-registered, the COVID-19 Coordinator will go through the Symptom Checklist before permitting the player to enter the arena. Any player reporting or exhibiting positive symptoms will not be allowed to participate and parents/guardians will be notified immediately and asked to pick the player up and leave. The decision whether to permit a player to enter the arena is solely within the discretion of the Team Leaders. If the player requires assistance in answering the questions on the Symptom Checklist, a parent or guardian must remain with the player to complete the Symptom Checklist with the COVID-19 Coordinator.

Do we have to wear masks?

Under Minnesota law, players and the one other person with the player must wear masks the entire time in the arena.

As of January 4, 2021, Minnesota Hockey and HECC have approved the Bauer Concept 3 Splash Guard (worn with the Bauer Concept 3 Full Face Shield Visor) and the CCM Game on Mask.

What about locker rooms?

Locker room use is not allowed.

• Whenever possible, players should use the restroom at home prior to leaving for the rink to limit bathroom use at the facility.
• Players must go directly to assigned area for putting on skates and helmet.
• Players must remain 6 feet apart while getting ready.
• One parent/guardian is permitted in the arena if required to help the player to tie their skates or put on their helmet. The parent/guardian must wear a mask at all times inside the arena.

How many people can go to Minnesota Special Hockey events?

One person per player may attend. They must maintain 6 feet of distance between themselves and members of any other household and wear masks/face coverings.  One sibling may attend if absolutely necessary.  Please make every effort to not bring siblings into the arena.

Two people are allowed to attend games with the player.  Please do not invite any more than that!  

How will it work when we are on the ice?

We will have a maximum of 2 pods of 25 people (50 total) on the ice at any time. This total of 50 includes coaches, volunteers, and players. Coaches will ensure there is no mixing between these 2 pods of people to minimize exposure. Coaches will do their best to emphasize 6 feet of distance between individuals on the ice to the extent possible. For players who require help skating,  we will work to find volunteers who are comfortable.