Springfield, Illinois – It’s been four months since hockey has been played here in Springfield and we are every bit as anxious as you are for the players to return to town. As we begin to prepare for the upcoming season, we want to take time to update our fans and players on the current state of affairs in the NAHL.
Getting Back to the Ice: What We Know
The North American Hockey League released a statement on June 19, 2020 from commissioner Mark Frankenfeld which addressed several issues, most importantly the plan for the upcoming season. In his statement, Frankfenfeld reiterated the league’s goal to play a full 60-game regular season schedule, including the NAHL Showcase, Top Prospects Tournament, and Robertson Cup Championship.
The statement also addressed the possibility that due to the ongoing change in COVID-19 restrictions and limitations, the league will continue to monitor and adjust to maintain safety for players and staff alike. However, it will take more than just the league’s approval for the Jr. Blues to return to the ice.
The opening of the Nelson Center and the approval for indoor activities is a good start, but we still have a long way to go. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the entire state of Illinois is currently in Phase 4 of Reopen Illinois. Under these guidelines, we are currently limited to gatherings of 50 persons or less while continuing to maintain social distancing and facial coverings. In order for us to move into Phase 5 we will need to have a vaccine or an increase in herd immunity, per the IDPH.
One thing that we know for sure about our current situation is that it is bound to change, either sooner or later. We will be relaying information to you each week until Main Camp (August 13-16), addressing updates in state limitations & restrictions as well as what to expect on game nights this season.
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