By @StefanKubus –

Per Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, ice hockey will officially be allowed to resume on Monday, Feb. 8.

Whitmer announced Thursday that winter sports may resume earlier than the original restart date of Feb. 21.

Masks and social distancing protocols are still expected to be observed at all times, with limited spectators allowed inside the rinks.

Here’s the full statement from the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association regarding the news and what it means going forward:

Members of our Michigan Hockey Community:

On the afternoon of Thursday, February 4th, 2021 Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a new Gatherings and Face Mask Order, which allows contact sports activities to fully resume starting Monday, February 8th.

Please note that the reinstatement of ice hockey activity will be allowed under specific risk mitigation requirements, in accordance with a document entitled ‘Guidance for Athletics,’ to be issued on February 7th, 2021. These requirements will include, but not be limited to:

  1. Facial coverings are required at all times in the rink, both on and off the ice
  2. Participants maintain 6 feet of social distance from each other when not engaged in play
  3. Spectators will be limited to two per athlete
  4. Sports organizers, venues, and teams must ensure that these requirements are met

In preparation for our return to full ice hockey activity, the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) will be updating its ‘Return to Play Standards’ document. Details contained in this document, as well as additional season re-start information, will be provided as it becomes available.

We thank you for your continued patience, and we look forward to seeing you at the rink very soon!