Last update: 1/12/2022

We at BYHA would like to welcome all our players and families to the 2021-22 season!  With each new season comes many new challenges.  This season we are faced with lingering COVID challenges from last season.  As much as we hoped that they all would be a thing of the past at this point, many are still very much with us.

COVID-19 and its variants remain prevalent throughout the world, and it is important that everyone involved in youth hockey in our state do everything we can to make the game as safe as possible.  With the Minnesota Hockey season officially open, we strongly encourage all eligible coaches, players, officials, and spectators to follow the recommendations of USA Hockey medical advisors to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

We understand this decision is a personal choice, however as more of our participants get vaccinated, we can ensure a much safer season, and hopefully avoid any further restrictions, mandates, or serious COVID related illnesses.

The educational materials found at the following links will help you make an informed decision:

-  CDC's COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Center
-  CDC's Myths & Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines
-  Mayo Clinic's COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Center

For those who are not vaccinated, the wearing of masks is strongly recommended, especially in off-ice areas where social distancing and open-air spaces cannot be maintained.

While there is no statewide mandate for masks to be worn inside hockey arenas, all participants and spectators should abide by any protocols and requirements implemented by local arenas and/or local governments.

At this time, and while subject to change, Minnesota Hockey and BYHA will not be imposing any specific COVID requirements for its members.  We continue to encourage everyone to be aware of the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC guidance on best practices for avoiding COVID and quarantine guidelines if exposure is suspected or known. 

Regarding Exposures and Positive cases, we ask teams and families to review the "Quarantine and Isolation" CDC information found by CLICKING HERE.  We do expect that all known exposures with symptoms and positive cases will be treated seriously.  Anyone with a significant risk or known case of COVID should stay away from all BYHA activities, staff members, and players until deemed safe to return per the MN and CDC guidelines.  Consult with our COVID Coordinator for help with these timelines if needed. 

Our goal and commitment is to keep our teams safe; while maximizing on our ability to keep players skating, and helping our rinks stay open throughout this season.  

See the additional links an documents listed below for more details and information.

If you have any questions on this topic, please contact our COVID Coordinator.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping all our members safe at the rink!

- BYHA Board