Cottage Grove Hockey Families,

Tonight Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz held a press conference and signed executive order 20-99 regarding COVID-19 Implementing a Four Week Dial Back on Certain Activities to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 (link). 

Unfortunately, as expected, organized youth sports are one of the items specifically and directly affected by this order.  Starting this Friday, November 20, 2020 at 11:59 PM all Youth Sports organizations and programs must STOP ALL in-person activities—including practices, group workouts, games, and tournaments.  In addition certain places of public accommodation will be closed to members of the public (Sec 7. iii. C. “indoor sports facilities”).  This is expected to be a four week stoppage effective through December 18, 2020 at 11:59 PM or until reevaluated.  To be clear, this means:

1. Restrictions begin on: Friday, November 20, 2020 at 11:59 PM
2. Cottage Grove Ice Arena – CLOSED until further notice
3. Wolfpack Performance Center (Dryland Facility) – CLOSED until further notice

Our board will convene tomorrow night in an emergency meeting to discuss and review items specific to CGHA that directly affect the day to day functions of our association and our membership (i.e. Dib hours, fundraising, tournaments, etc.).  We will strive to have more communication regarding these items out to the membership within the next 72 hours.

At this point, what we do know is that we will not be processing any refunds until further notice as we are being advised this is a four week dial back / “pause” and not a cancelation.  Once we know more about the ultimate fate of the season, we will have the ability to determine amounts to potentially be refunded.  There are no payments processed in the month of December by design due to the holidays.  The next installment payments are scheduled for January 15, 2021 and we will communicate prior to that date whether this payment will be processed, pushed back, and/or canceled depending on future state of our Hockey season.

Bottom line - this is hard.  It’s hard for our players to not play the game they love.  It’s hard for parents to not be able to watch our kids enjoy the game.  It’s hard for coaches to not be able to help players grow, not only as athletes but young men and women through the opportunities, challenges and adversity of youth sports.  We are being advised to take strong steps now to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to ultimately do our part to get the players back on the ice.  Let’s do our part even when it means we forego something that’s important to us.

Again, we will be in touch with additional communication and information within the next 72 hours.  Be safe and protect the pack!