First and foremost we hope everyone and their families are safe and healthy and weathering this combined storm of stay at home + work from home + social distancing + home schooling + supply shortages + running out of options for binge watching. We're right there with you and with the weather changing and a potential flattening of the COVID-19 curve everyone is longing for a return to some semblance of normalcy. 

 

Hockey may not be top of your mind right now but here is a brief update. From a hockey perspective some regions of the country have been moving ahead with preparing for their seasons. In our area USA Hockey's Atlantic District (NJ and parts of DE and PA) has been cooperating with neighboring districts (NY, CT, PA, etc.) much as our State governments have been doing to formulate a regional approach. As mentioned in previous messages all NJ clubs have been in somewhat of a holding pattern until receiving direction from the District on how to proceed.

 

You may have recently received an email survey from the District and based on the results of that survey we are expecting some announcements on direction this weekend from the District and our various leagues. Players may receive an email directly from the District as well.

 

We expect that we will be able to proceed with organizing initial teams, without tryouts and under specific rules, in the next month or so. Tryouts may or may not follow at a later date, depending on restrictions on use of the ice arenas and social distancing guidelines. There is still much to work out, including timing and length of season.

 

To confirm our commitment to our families and to ease some folks' concerns The Montclair Hockey Club will commit to finding a spot for each returning (2019-2020 season registered) player who registers for the upcoming season.

Team placement, number and size of teams will be determined at a later date. Our 2020-2021 season planned teams and related info is available on our website. We will be modifying as needed as conditions and plans evolve.

 

We would also like to remind everyone that MHC runs one of if not the only fully functioning House Leagues in NJ. For those who may be looking for an alternative due to financial or other concerns we fully intend to present and potentially expand our House/Limited Travel League this coming season.

 

We expect more info to start flowing in the next few days and will be reaching out to keep you updated. In the meantime stay safe and stay well. 

 

If you have any questions or if there is anything we can do for you please do not hesitate to reach out to Tim or myself.

 

John Cronogue

President, Montclair Hockey Club