Interstate competitions suspended for youth hockey

Clouds catch the last few glimmers of light at day’s end in West Woodstock. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

For the rest of the year, interstate competitions for youth hockey are off the table in New England and New Jersey.

Effective on Saturday through Dec. 31, the suspension of interstate hockey games applies to public and private schools and youth hockey leagues, and it was jointly announced by leaders in seven Northeast states. They include Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu.

"As case numbers increase in many states across the country, it is critical that neighboring states coordinate a regional approach to limit further community spread of the virus," the governors said in a statement. The need to continue this restriction will be assessed later in the year. Collegiate and professional hockey activities are not impacted by this suspension, though they must follow existing state and local public health rules.

The Thursday announcement came after increased COVID-19 cases in the region caused Vermont to require a quarantine for all travelers into the state, and boost enforcement of public safety guidelines at certain businesses. Massachusetts has implemented a stricter face mask policy, a curfew on businesses and a state-at-home advisory.

Though Vermont continues to have the nation's lowest test positivity rate, it's struggling with other metrics now. On Thursday, the state recorded 109 new COVID-19 cases — its highest daily total so far, Vermont Public Radio reported. VPR noted that just in the last week, Vermont has seen 350 new infections, including some cases in each of its counties.

On Wednesday, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott ordered the state to redeploy field hospitals to prepare for a projected increase in cases, VPR reported. State officials continued to urge adherence to public health guidance, including mask-wearing, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings and unnecessary travel. The state recently issued an advisory to limit all private social gatherings to no more than 10 people.

Another thing that has been on many minds is the holidays. With this long line-up of restrictions, it will obviously be a different kind of holiday season, as state officials have acknowledged. On Tuesday, Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine thanked Vermonters for all the sacrifices made so far during the pandemic, and expressed confidence people could find safe ways to celebrate the holidays for the sake of their community's well being.

"I know we will find other ways to connect, to make the time together with our own households special, because how we choose to celebrate affects our family, our community and Vermont."

Also on Tuesday, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott expressed confidence the state’s communities could rise to this challenge, after months of success in suppressing the virus through the summer and early fall.

“Just like I’ve said since March, this is literally in our hands, and we’ve shown what we can do when we all pull in the same direction.”

— Gareth Henderson