From: Michael Keaney, President

Maine Amateur Hockey Association

October 16, 2020

On Thursday October 15th, Maine Amateur Hockey Association (MEAHA), the state affiliate for USA Hockey, received additional correspondence from Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. This most recent correspondence reiterated the State of Maine’s position that MEAHA should adhere to the Maine Community Sports Guidelines.

MEAHA’s executive board has been working diligently to develop appropriate guidelines for a safe return to play and attempting to setup meetings with the State of Maine in order to determine a safe path forward for our more than 5,000 participants. As of 1pm this afternoon the State of Maine has not agreed to a meeting with MEAHA representatives to work cooperatively on such a path forward. At this time, the MEAHA executive board has made the decision to cancel all MEAHA sanctioned games in the State of Maine thru October 20, 2020. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution so that all of our member associations and partner rink operators could review and confirm that all Maine CDC COVID-19 Guidelines and USA Hockey’s Return to Guidelines (USAH Returning to the Rinks) were being properly followed. MEAHA will be putting forth additional guidelines in the coming days that outline our commitment to a safe hockey environment and our goal is to begin playing games again next week to either complete our seasons already in progress or begin the seasons for our Winter teams.

MEAHA believes that we have been compliant, at all times, with all state laws and executive orders since return to play activities began in July. Player/Coach/Official safety is foremost in all of the protocols. We hope to have our players and families return to the rink as soon as possible.