Based on today’s announcement by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that both New Hampshire and Maine have been removed from the DPH’s “lower risk” state listing, it is important that any youth hockey families traveling into Massachusetts as part of a Massachusetts-based program understand and comply with the state-issued Covid-19 Travel Order.

Massachusetts Hockey is not restricting its member organizations from allowing registered players who reside in New Hampshire or Maine to participate with their Massachusetts-based program/team. However, as of November 21, 2020 at 12:01am, New Hampshire and Maine were added to the restricted travel list as part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' COVID-19 Travel Order. Accordingly, it is fully expected that any New Hampshire or Maine residents traveling into Massachusetts to participate in a USA Hockey-sanctioned event (game, practice or training) will comply with the state-issued guidance. This currently requires either proof of a 14-day quarantine or a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to arrival in Massachusetts. To be clear, there is NO EXCEPTION at this time for youth or recreational sports.

We have been advised that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the local boards of health intend to continue to actively monitor this situation. As such, any program/team that rosters a New Hampshire or Maine-based player who travels to Massachusetts shall keep a record of each player’s documentation. This will allow the program to respond appropriately should there be any inquiries relating to a player’s status and their compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Order (https://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-travel-form).  

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Massachusetts-based programs, rinks and the New Hampshire or Maine families to ensure compliance with the state guidance.