Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

USA Hockey is excited that the 2022-23 season is underway. Sports participation promotes a healthy lifestyle through physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being. We want all our players, coaches, officials, parents and administrators to enjoy the game we all love while staying safe through the COVID-19 pandemic.

USA Hockey recommends risk mitigation strategies for all stakeholders to promote health and safety, which can be found here. These recommendations are not intended to replace local and state government orders or safety policies and procedures put in place at your ice rink facility.

Latest Update: February 11, 2021

As USA Hockey continues adapting to the coronavirus situation, the safety of participants always remains our top priority. Thank you to all players, parents, coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers for your continued passion and support for hockey in the United States and we’re all looking forward to returning to more normal times as soon as possible. In the meantime, all updates related to the coronavirus situation can be found here.

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Thursday, February 11, 2021

Updates to the 2021-22 Tryout Start Dates

Details can be found here. 

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Tuesday, February 2, 2021

2021 Toyota-USA Hockey Virtual Disabled Hockey Festival Set For April 12-17

USA Hockey announced it will host the Toyota-USA Hockey Virtual Disabled Hockey Festival, April 12-17, in place of the in-person event that was scheduled to take place April 8-11, 2021, and April 15-18, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Full release here.

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Monday, January 4, 2021

2021 USA Hockey/Labatt Blue Pond Hockey National Championships Cancelled

USA Hockey announced the cancellation of the 2021 USA Hockey/Labatt Blue Pond Hockey National Championships, which were set for Feb. 4-7, 2021. All teams will receive a full refund and have the opportunity to secure a spot in the 2022 event, scheduled for Feb. 10-13, 2022.

Full release here.

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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Hockey Not Riskier Than Other Sports

There has been speculation through recent stories in the news media to suggest hockey is riskier than other youth sports/activities related to COVID-19 and specifically the rink environment. Speculation is the key word as there is no scientific evidence to back up that speculation.

We reject the premise that hockey is riskier than other sports or activities relative to the pandemic. As with any sport or activity, we have always acknowledged there is some risk associated with playing hockey.

To help leaders in hockey, we’ve developed this document to add context and commentary around some of the things that have been in recent news reports. We will update this document as needed.

Read the full document here. 

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Thursday, November 19, 2020

USA Hockey Continues Focus On COVID Risk Mitigation

From the outset of the pandemic, USA Hockey has led efforts to provide risk mitigation guidelines and strategies to the hockey community. It is critically important that we remain united and committed in our efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19 as we head toward Thanksgiving and the upcoming heart of the hockey season.

Read the full story here.

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Tuesday, October 20, 2020

SPLASH GUARD/SPIT GUARD INFORMATION

USA Hockey today released a document around the use of splash/spit guards. Click here for more information.

(Update: November 16, 2020: HECC Approved splash/spit guards can be found here.)

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Friday, August 28, 2020

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR 2020-21 SEASON

USA Hockey asked players, families, coaches, officials and volunteers to submit their questions regarding the upcoming 2020-21 season. After consulting with experts on the various topics of questions asked – including Dr. Michael Stuart from the Mayo Clinic, USA Hockey’s chief medical and safety officer, on the health and safety front – we’ve answered the most common questions below and provided additional resources.

Click here to view the questions and answers.

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Thursday, August 20, 2020

USA HOCKEY TO HOLD CLOSED TRYOUT FOR 2020-21 U.S. NATIONAL SLED HOCKEY TEAM

USA Hockey announced today that the 2020-21 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team will be selected following a closed training camp November 4-7 in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Following the conclusion of the National Team training camp, the 17-player rosters for the U.S. Men's National Development Sled Hockey Team and the U.S. Women's National Development Sled Hockey Team will be selected by the National Office Sled Hockey Committee no later than November 10, 2020. For more information, click here.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2020

RISK MITIGATION GUIDELINES DOCUMENT

As the traditional hockey season approaches and rinks across the country are opening, USA Hockey today released a document with guidelines to help mitigate the risk associated with COVID-19. This document is a supplement to the previously released Returning to the Rinks document.

USA Hockey will sanction hockey for the 2020-21 season and its medical professionals have advised that it is safe to play hockey with appropriate common-sense precautions.

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Thursday, August 6, 2020

USA HOCKEY WILL SANCTION HOCKEY FOR 2020-21 SEASON

USA Hockey will sanction hockey for the 2020-21 season and medical experts have confirmed that with taking appropriate precautions, it is indeed safe to play hockey today.

Click here for the latest leadership update from USA Hockey President Jim Smith and Executive Director Pat Kelleher.

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Friday, July 17, 2020

USA Hockey has announced that it has cancelled a trio of disabled hockey events that were scheduled to take place this fall, including the USA Hockey Warrior Classic, which was set for Oct. 8-11; the USA Hockey Sled Classic, presented by the NHL, scheduled for Nov. 19-22; and the USA Hockey Special Hockey Classic, set for Dec. 4-6.

All three events are expected to return to the calendar for the 2021-22 season.

For more information on USA Hockey's disabled hockey disciplines, click here.

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Wednesday, July 15, 2020

USA Hockey announced it will not stage the 2020 World Junior Summer Showcase that was set for July 24-31 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich. 

The event, which 44 U.S. players were invited to participate in, was slated to be part of the evaluation process in selecting the U.S. National Junior Team that will play in the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship Dec. 26, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. 

Learn more here.

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Thursday, July 9, 2020

Read a collection of frequently asked questions about your USA Hockey Membership here.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Dr. Michael Stuart, chief medical and safety officer of USA Hockey, discusses the latest issues surrounding COVID-19 and hockey.

https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1110651

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Thursday, June 5, 2020

Early Return On-Ice Activity Samples

USA Hockey, with consultation of coaches and safety advisors, have developed a sample of early return on-ice activity samples.

Learn more here. 

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Monday, June 1, 2020

USA Hockey Cancels All Player Development Camps Slated for 2020

USA Hockey announced today it will not hold its typical series of Player Development Camps for boys and girls that take place each summer. For more information, click here.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2020

FACEMASK QUESTIONS

USA Hockey has been asked about the effectiveness of a full clear shield on helmets in mitigation of COVID-19 and also about whether masks should be worn to cover the mouth and nose under helmets while practicing/playing. Click here for information related to both questions.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2020

USA HOCKEY POSTPONES ADVANCED OFFICIATING SYMPOSIUM

USA Hockey announced today that it has postponed the 2020 Advanced Officiating Symposium which was set for July 24-26 at the Providence Marriott in Providence, Rhode Island.

“Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt the best way forward was to postpone the event,” said Matt Leaf, director of officiating education for USA Hockey. “We're excited to be in Providence next year, and we appreciate the partnership we have forged with the Providence Marriott in hosting this event.”

The event has been rescheduled for Aug. 6-8, 2021, at the Providence Marriott. Participants who have already registered will have the option to either transfer their registration to next year's event or receive a full refund. If a refund request is not made, the registration will automatically roll over for the 2021 event.

"This is disappointing to say the least, but at the end of the day, safety is our first priority,” said Dave LaBuda, USA Hockey's national referee-in-chief. "We appreciate the continued enthusiasm of our officiating team to get back to work and look forward to presenting a bigger and better symposium in August of 2021.”

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Monday, May 4, 2020

USA HOCKEY PUBLISHES RETURNING TO THE RINKS FOR ASSOCIATIONS, AFFILIATES AND RINKS

In conjunction with U.S. Ice Rink Association and U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey today published Returning to the Rinks. As we together work our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, USA Hockey will continue to provide updates to our associations and Affiliates. These considerations focus on initially returning to the rink for practices/tryouts only.

Local rinks and programs need to follow the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well state and local government officials in determining when, and how, it is appropriate to return to the rinks, including requirements or guidelines for physical distancing, size of gatherings or number of persons permitted in a facility, or wearing of masks, etc.

The information in this document is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The knowledge and circumstances around COVID-19 are changing constantly and, as such, USA Hockey makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this information.

Click here for the full document. 

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Monday, May 4, 2020

USA HOCKEY ANNOUNCES POSTPONEMENT OF LEVEL 5 COACHES SYMPOSIUM

USA Hockey announced today that it has postponed the 2020 Level 5 Coaches Symposium, set for Aug. 20-23 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth, Minnesota.

“While we are disappointed that we had to make this decision, it is in the best interest of everyone involved” said Mark Tabrum, director of coaching education for USA Hockey. “Safety is always our top priority, which is why we felt it was important to push it back a year.”

The event has been rescheduled for Aug. 19-22, 2021, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth, Minnesota. Participants who have already registered will have the option to either transfer their registration fee to next year's event or receive a full refund.

"It's definitely disappointing, but at the end of the day it is the right call," said Mike MacMillan, USA Hockey coach-in-chief. "We want to ensure everyone's safety at our events and this is the best way forward during this time of uncertainty.”

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Tuesday, April 14, 2020

SLED SELECT CAMP CANCELLED; SLED NATIONAL TEAM TRYOUTS POSTPONED

USA Hockey has canceled the 2020 Sled Select Camp, which was set to take place July 5-10, 2020, at the University of Buffalo in Amherst, New York.

All national-level sled hockey team tryouts have been postponed. The date and location as well as additional details regarding tryouts will be released at a later time. This includes tryouts for the National Sled Hockey Team, Women’s Development Sled Hockey Team & Men’s Development Sled Hockey Team.

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Thursday, April 9, 2020

USA HOCKEY ANNUAL CONGRESS TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY

With the safety and well-being of all in mind, the USA Hockey Board of Directors has voted to conduct the 2020 USA Hockey Annual Congress virtually, instead of holding the meeting June 10-13 in Colorado Springs as previously planned.

The regular series of meetings involved with Annual Congress will be conducted virtually over the first two weeks of June, culminating with the Board of Directors meeting on June 13.

Further details for Board members, councils, committees, sections and other affected individuals with be forthcoming in May.

If USA Hockey was paying for your flight/accommodations, those reservations will be canceled and you don’t need to do anything. For those who may have airline or hotel reservations for families/guests who were planning to attend, you will need to handle those reservations as you see fit. 

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Friday, March 20, 2020

USA Hockey announced today the revision of its national player development plans for 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as detailed below.

• USA Hockey has canceled the 2020 Boys Select 15 National Camp (2005 birth year)
• USA Hockey has canceled the 2020 Girls 15 National Camp (2005 birth year)
• USA Hockey has canceled the 2020 Girls 16/17 National Camp (2003/2004 birth years)
• USA Hockey will tentatively conduct the Boys Select 16 (2004 birth year) and 17 (2003 birth year) National Camps and the Girls Under-18 Select National Camp (2003, 2004, 2005 birth years)
  • The Boys Select 17 National Camp is tentatively set for June 24 – July 1, 2020 in Amherst, New York. The U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team will be selected from the camp set to compete in the 2020 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, in August. Player invitations for this camp will be extended by June 1.
  • The Boys Select 16 National Camp is tentatively set for July 7-13, 2020, in Amherst, New York. The U.S. Under-17 Men’s Select Team will be selected from the camp set to compete in the 2020 Five Nations Tournament, in August. Player invitations for this camp will be extended by June 8.
  • The Girls Under-18 Select National Camp is tentatively set for July 15-21, 2020, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Approximately 30 players will be selected from this camp to participate in the 2020 Under-18 National Team Festival, in August. Player invitations for this camp will be extended by June 1.

In addition, USA Hockey strongly recommends the cancellation of all affiliate tryouts, district tryouts, district/multi-district development camps for all birth years for the spring and summer of 2020.

“Our number one priority is the safety of our players, officials, coaches, volunteers and families involved,” said Kevin McLaughlin, assistant executive director of hockey development for USA Hockey. “We estimate roughly 9,000 individuals or families are involved in these activities across the country and with the uncertainty of the coronavirus situation we all face and the logistics involved with these events, the leaders in our organization from across the country felt it was important to make a decision now that had best interests of everyone involved, with safety being at the forefront.”

McLaughlin noted that decision to tentatively hold the Boys Select 16 and 17 National Camps and Girls Under-18 Selection National Camp will continue to be reviewed daily and that invitations to those camps, if they are ultimately held, will come from USA Hockey’s national office, with input from USA Hockey coaches, scouts, district player development representatives and other hockey personnel.

USA Hockey will continue to post updates related to the coronavirus situation at USAHockey.com.

NOTES: In addition to the player development camps listed above, USA Hockey has canceled the National Team Development Program tryout camp.

FAQ -- Revision of Player Development Plans for 2020

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

USA Hockey continues to guide its members to follow local health and medical professionals, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization, in making educated decisions during the current coronavirus situation we are all facing.

As was previously announced, USA Hockey has cancelled its National Championships and Disabled Festival. We will continue to use this site to provide updates regarding any disruption of other national-level scheduled events as needed.

There are wide-ranging activities conducted throughout the U.S. at the local level that include USA Hockey members that are not national-level events and are operated by districts, affiliates, local associations or even private operators. The decisions relative to those events are made at the local level and we continue to encourage all involved to engage with local health and medical professionals, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization, in making educated decisions. 

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Thursday, March 12, 2020

FAQ -- Cancelation of USA Hockey's Nationals, Disabled Festival

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Update: 8:20 p.m. MT

USA HOCKEY CANCELS NATIONALS/DISABLED FESTIVAL

USA Hockey announced tonight it has canceled its series of upcoming National Championships, including high school, youth, girls, adult and sled, that were set to begin in various locations across the country on March 26. In addition, the organization also announced it has canceled its Disabled Hockey Festival, which was set to take place over two weekends (March 26-29 and April 2-5) in Pittsburgh, Penn.