New England states and NJ extend ban on interstate youth hockey games

FILE PHOTO / William Hall Suspension of interstate youth hockey competitions will continue through Jan. 31.

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By Staff

Youth hockey interstate competitions are on ice for at least another month, the governors of seven states including Maine have said in a joint statement.

All interstate competitions for public and private schools as well as youth hockey have been suspended at least through Jan. 31.

The governors’ action extends a suspension that had run through Dec. 31 after coronavirus outbreaks were linked to interstate youth hockey activities. As public health data continues to evolve, the states will reassess the need for continued restrictions on interstate sports activities.

The action does not include college programs, professional hockey or U.S. national team hockey. Those competitions remain subject to existing health and safety protocols and restrictions.

The Maine Mariners and five other ECHL pro hockey teams in November suspended their 2020-2021 season because of pandemic safety concerns.

Maine’s COVID-19 Prevention Checklist for Community Sports already prohibits competition between sports teams from different states.
The decision about youth hockey was announced last week by Gov. Janet Mills, as well as Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey, Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island, Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont, Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut and Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts.