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MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY STATEMENT ON 2020-21 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENTS/EVENTS

By Mass Hockey, 01/08/21, 5:45PM EST

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When Massachusetts Hockey players, parents and coaches were allowed to return to the rinks and resume gameplay this season, the guidance issued by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs was clear that no tournaments (or variations of) are permitted to be held. We postponed our fall championship events until the spring, remaining hopeful that the Covid-19 situation would improve and circumstances would change, possibly providing a modification to the guidelines and the ability to run traditional state championship events.  To date, this has not occurred, nor are any modifications to the current guidance imminent.

We have worked closely with the Commonwealth throughout this process. We believe that our sport is in as good a position as we can be given the current state of affairs. We do not want to put our players, parents, coaches, officials, programs and facilities at risk for any additional shutdowns. 

Discussions have also been held that include our safety committee, our state tournament committees and our entire board of directors. While we all want to see hockey get back to normal, we are committed to doing it in a safe and proper way.

As a result, we are regrettably confirming that no Massachusetts Hockey State Tournament Championships will be conducted this (2020-21) season. Even if circumstances improve and the guidance were to change at some point later on, given the planning and preparation required to successfully run these events, it would not be feasible.

We are fortunate that unlike many other districts across the country and Canada that we are able to play games at this time. We commend our players, coaches, officials and families for continuing to adhere to the guidance so that we are able to keep playing for the rest of the season and effectively prepare for the 2021-22 campaign.


Kevin Kavanagh

Kevin Kavanagh

Executive Director

Phone: 781-664-2700 x101

Bob Joyce

Bob Joyce

General Counsel, USAH Director (2025), Audit & SafeSport Chair

Phone: (617) 620-1302