Mounds View Irondale Youth Hockey Association

Jan 2 Update

Emergency Executive Order 20-103 (Extending and Modifying Executive Order 20-99) will allow us to return to the ice after 11:59 PM on January 3, 2021. Here is what we know so far:

Return to Play Timeline:

Jan 4 - practices can resume
January 14 - games & scrimmages can resume
Minnesota Hockey has extended the 2020-21 season through March (dates TBD)
District 2 still plans to hold district tournaments in Mid-February. If D2 changes their decision, we will communicate that with everyone.
The practice schedule through January 13 will be posted to your team page & SportsEngine before the end of the weekend.

MVI Hockey expects all participants to adhere to each of the published rules from the Minnesota Department of Health & Minnesota Hockey, which include:

Per the state mandate, cloth face coverings (masks) must be worn properly (covering nose and mouth) by everyone inside an arena at all times. This includes participants during on-ice practice and gameplay.
- Minnesota Hockey recently approved the CCM Game On in-helmet facemask; this option may be available at Strauss Skates and other local skate shops. If you opt for the in-helmet mask, it needs to be worn when you enter and leave the building.
- Players aged 5 and under are not required to wear a mask while on the ice.
No locker rooms will be available. Players should put skates on in designated areas of the arena that provide for social distancing.
Players can enter the building 10 minutes prior to the start of their practice or game. Players must exit the building within 10 minutes after the conclusion of their event.
No bags can be brought into the building. Goalies have a bag exception but should come at least partially dressed.
Only fully dressed players carrying their skates, helmet, stick(s) and water bottle may enter.
Spectators will not be allowed in arenas for Phase 4, with the exception of Mites/8U players who will be allowed one parent/guardian/support person per player. Additional detail will be provided by individual rinks, including their check-in process and self-screening requirements.
The entire list can be referenced in the attached document found here: Minnesota Hockey Return To Play Rules & Guidelines - Phase 4 - updated 12/28/2020

Other Topics:

Tournaments: Any tournament already approved by District 2 should be held unless a hosting community cancels their own tournament. Please work directly with your Team Manager to confirm tournament details, hotels, logistics, etc. Acknowledging that out-of-town tournaments will look different (hotel pools closed, area restaurants closed to in-person dining, limited spectators, and discouraged gatherings) the MVI Hockey board supports any team deciding together to not attend a scheduled tournament, however, teams will be responsible for any cancellation fees incurred.

Masks: MVI Hockey participants are expected to adhere to each Minnesota Hockey and Department of Health Guideline regarding the use of masks. All members of our community are responsible for actively enforcing the policy with each other to ensure we can keep playing.

Team Fees: MVI Hockey is a non-profit organization and costs are distributed among each team member. If you are not comfortable with the terms of the return to play Phase 4 or Phase 5 (coming soon from Minnesota Hockey), you can choose to stop participating; however, you will be responsible for all team bills. MVI Hockey paused the scheduled December 15 payment while the season was paused; the next ice bill is scheduled for January 15.

Volunteer Hours: We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate additional elements of the 2020-21 Season, including our volunteer policy and available hours. We appreciate each person who has already volunteered.

LiveBarn is a good option to watch practice and games - cameras are installed at Shoreview Ice Arena, the Super Rink, and many other locations where we might play. Individual monthly memberships can be purchased at livebarn.com.

Please continue to monitor and assess your child’s health and be watching for any symptoms; please hold them out of practice if any symptoms arise. We would rather have a player miss a practice or game vs. risk exposing the entire team - play it safe and sit out if you are wondering.

COVID reporting & protocol questions about case management will continue to be handled by president@mvihockey.org who will interface directly with MN Department of Health.

We are very excited to welcome your players back to hockey on January 4th. While it will look very different from when we left each other in November, we look forward to making this a successful season for our players. Go Mavericks!