CUHL Update – November 24, 2020

CUHL Club Leaders,

The governor’s announcement last week that the entire state of Illinois will be subject to Tier 3 Mitigation has hit all of us in the hockey world like a ton of bricks. In just one week the promise of a return to hockey has slipped away, clubs have been forced to pause operations, rinks are closing once again, and families are having to make difficult choices.

The goal of the CUHL has always been to provide a service where needed. We have worked to give introductory level players a quality experience and a solid foundation by providing their clubs with the infrastructure and community of support to succeed in player development. Through the growth of our league and buy-in from our membership, we have expanded to include every competitive tier of 8U hockey, and have succeeded in providing a level playing field for all member clubs regardless of size or make-up.

As the trials of COVID-19 wear on, we as a league have had to look in the mirror and determine how we best serve our membership this season. At this point it has become clear that if we return to the game this winter – which is certainly not a guarantee – things will not be equal across the board. There will be different rules at different facilities. Some clubs may be limited in travel. Some may be limited in roster size. Some may not be able to field teams at all. At this point the unknowns are infinite, and a level playing field is almost certainly impossible to imagine.

With that in mind, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the official cancellation of the 2020-2021 Chicago United Hockey League Season.

By cancelling the season, we are allowing each club to operate in the way that best suits their membership moving forward. Referee fees will be refunded, so there will be no financial impact for our members this year. If and when there is a return to play, individual clubs/teams may feel free to schedule tournaments, games, or whatever else may be most conducive to their situation without the pressure of having to cram league games into an abbreviated calendar. In addition, this ensures that the clubs will not have to extend ice contracts or re-arrange spring programming to fit a CUHL agenda.

Do not think you have seen the last of us this year though! We are hopeful to have one large event to close out 2020-2021. If legal and responsible to do so, we are planning to host a CUHL Chicagoland Tournament in early March. This will be open to any CUHL member clubs who are interested, and will strive to bring everyone together under the CUHL banner at least once this year. More details on this event will be released as we get closer to spring.

You can expect refund checks by January 1. Club reps - please reach out to CUHL Secretary Stephie Arkus and let her know where your club check should be mailed to.

As always, thank you for your continued support of the CUHL. The strength of our community is more critical than ever before.

Best regards,

Chicago United Hockey League Board

Dear Members of CUHL,

 By now most of you are aware that the Governor today placed new restrictions on youth sports. Among the restrictions, youth hockey was classified as a “high risk” sport, while other sports with far more direct contact were classified as “medium risks”.

Over the past two months we have proven that a safe return to hockey can be achieved by using best practices within our programs and facilities. We also believe that children NEED to be involved in activities and sports. 

We MOSTLY believe that we represent close 1,500 young kids that want to play hockey. It is our job to do everything in our power to facilitate that.

Additionally, an online petition has been started to show support for having youth hockey placed more appropriately in a lower risk category. If you would be so kind as to forward this to your membership:

To that end, the CUHL is in the process of hiring legal counsel to represent us in taking every possible action to ensure a full season of hockey. We believe this legal counsel will be provided pro bono.  We may at some point ask if individual clubs would like to join in.

As we move forward in this process, we will keep you apprised.

Sincerely,

Tom Gullen, President

On behalf of the CUHL Board of Directors

The Chicago United Hockey League would like to wish all of our players, parents, coaches, officials, volunteers, and their families good health and safety during this tumultuous time. We look forward to getting back on the ice for the fall season - but in the meantime please take care of yourselves and each other.

CUHL Board of Directors

AAU Hockey - Planning for 2020-2021
Updates will continue during these uncertain times

To: AAU Members

Re: Update on AAU Coronavirus

Like all of you, the AAU continues to monitor the development of
COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") across the country and around the world. These are unprecedented times as we navigate the global pandemic and put our efforts towards helping to slow the spread of the disease.

Seemingly overnight, terms such as 'flatten the curve' and 'social
distancing' have become part of our national language and part of our daily life. While people have had to adjust to this new normal, businesses have had to adapt as well. The AAU has been no exception.

Sports For All, Forever has been the AAU's focus and drive for the
past 130 years and counting. And, while events are the AAU's business, the health and well-being of AAU participants are at the forefront of AAU leadership's mind during this time.

Therefore, we will be continuing to follow the guidelines set out by
public health officials and extend the temporary suspension of AAU event programming through April 30th. While it is our fervent hope to resume events in the near future, we feel strongly extending the temporary suspension of AAU licensed events is the right thing to do at this time.

We will share updates with you as new information becomes
available.

Stay safe, be well, and remember We Are AAU.

Yours in Sport,
Dr. Roger J. Goudy
AAU President & CEO
AAU Ice Hockey