Hello NAHA Families,

At this time, due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, NAHA is facing many unknowns, making the season planning extremely difficult. Most significant is the uncertainty of the use of Kreitzberg Arena, given at this time that Norwich is not allowing use of their facilities by outside groups, which will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. Additionally, there are significant safety measures, added safety officer positions, and safety procedures being imposed that will add the need for additional volunteers. Given these circumstances and uncertainty, and after consultation with VSAHA, NAHA will not be offering a hockey season this year and is releasing any players that wish to play in other organizations for one year. Please visit this link for more information: VSAHA Transfer & Release policy.

• NAHA can not at this time ensure that we will have a season of hockey due to the potential of no ice, lack of coaches and lack of volunteers to ensure the safety of our community.
• NAHA is releasing all players for the 2020-2021 season.
  • Players may transfer to another organization of their choice with no transfer fee or penalty.
  • Any player that transfers for the 2020-2021 season, may to return to NAHA for the 2021-22 season with no transfer fees and or penalties.

Also, attached please find the VSAHA Returning to Play Guidelines, as well as some examples of rink guidelines. It is important for all parents to understand no matter where they play hockey this year, things will look drastically different. A few important takeaways:

• There will be no traditional state tournament for 2020-21 – no required home/home games or teams played
• No jamborees or tournaments
• No checking at all ages during practice and games
• Follow masking guidelines – it is still uncertain if masks will be required by players, but is very likely
• Occupancy guidelines –varies by rink, some are allowing only 25 people per rink which means many teams will not be playing games at all and spectator limitations will apply

The NAHA board will continue to monitor the situation throughout the season and should things change, will make every effort to offer ice time in some fashion if possible, which could look like clinics or open skates. We understand this is a devastating news for our NAHA community, but the board feels it is the only option at this time and want to ensure those families wishing to pursue hockey this season, have the opportunity to do so.

Lastly, please consider this a “pause” for the season and know that NAHA has every intention of returning, bigger and better, in the 2021-2022 season. We encourage all of you to enjoy hockey in whatever fashion you choose this winter, and look forward to welcoming you all back next year!

Please feel free to contact Chris Amell, NAHA president with any questions or concerns.

Kindly,

The NAHA Board