Interstate youth hockey ban extended through Jan. 31

Hockey teams will not be traveling outside the state to play until at least the end of this month, state officials from the Northeast announced on Dec. 31.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Maine Governor Janet Mills, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, Vermont Governor Phil Scott, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced an extension of the suspension of interstate youth hockey competitions for public and private schools and youth hockey leagues through at least Jan. 31, 2021.

The prohibition will not impact interstate collegiate, professional or U.S. national team hockey activities, which will remain subject to existing health and safety protocols and/or restrictions.

The states previously announced a regional suspension through at least Dec. 31, 2020 due to coronavirus outbreaks associated with the conduct of interstate youth hockey activities.

As public health data continues to evolve, the states will reassess the need for continued restrictions on interstate sports activities.