PRESIDENT'S UPDATE (10/5/20)
Northford updated their rink policies to allow two parents in the building if BOTH parents are required for defined USA Hockey duties (coach and locker room monitor).  Scorekeepers and/or clock operators still count against the one (1) spectator rule. Take a look at the latest updates.

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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE (9/19/20)
Northford and other area rinks worked with the Connecticut Health Department to update COVID protocols.  Although the rules are inconvenient, we are happy to be playing hockey with restrictions versus not playing at all.  Take a look.   

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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE (9/7/20)
As more teams return to the rink, Ed Rodham provided an update on the current COVID protocols.  Our National Bound teams and coaches have been on the ice since June, and have found the process manageable, participants compliant, and the rink protocols appropriate.  Take a look at the letter.  
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NEWSLETTER UPDATE (8/19/20)
In our August newsletter, we reaffirm our commitment to moving forward with the 2020-2021 season in an effort to give your families a sense of normalcy and the opportunity to do something they love.   Our players' safety is at the forefront of our planning and we will follow USA Hockey, rink, and government guidelines.  Click here to take a look at the newsletter. 

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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE (6/20/20)
The state further clarified the Phase 2 requirements that impact hockey.  Starting June 17, rinks can open for camps, group training, and controlled practices.  Starting July 7, scrimmages, games, meets, matches, and tournaments are allowed. 

As a result of the updated guidelines, the Sharks will schedule CGHL travel team tryouts for mid-July.  Read more. 

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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE (6/4/20)
The State announced rinks will open on June 20 with parameters about the number of people on the ice.  There continue to be no specific guidelines for hockey tryouts or team-play at this point.  As we wait, we continue to make contingency plans for a variety of scenarios.  Read more.   

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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE (5/21/20)
With selection for national bound teams complete, we turnout attention to our CGHL tryouts.  Rinks are scheduled to open on June 20.  We wait for guidance from the CHC and USA Hockey about how to hold tryouts safely.  Read more. 

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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE (5/13/20)
Our President and Director of Hockey Operations, Ed Rodham, sent a communication to explain CHC's recommendations for national bound Tier I and Tier II team selection for U14, U16, and U19 players.  They are allowing teams to sign players starting May 14,  given the uncertainty of tryouts. Take a look at the email.

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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE (3/13/20)
I just participated in a CHC conference call that included the Presidents of all CHC organizations. Here is the message that was communicated.

Effective Immediately, the CHC Executive Committee is prohibiting any USA Hockey sanctioned play, including but not limited to tryouts, for ALL USA Hockey Member programs in the Connecticut Affiliate (aka Everyone) until further notice. CHC will monitor issues related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and may seek approval from the Board of Directors to alter this directive as information becomes available.

As of now, the Sharks will be putting all activities on hold.  We will continue to promote our tryouts, and our tryout registration site will remain open, but we will not know the dates until the moratorium is lifted.  

Please do not hold any team events (on or off ice) until we receive approval to resume operations.

The timing is not good, but the issue at hand is much bigger than hockey.  Our job now is to do our part to keep everyone safe. 

I will communicate as soon as I have updates.

Best regards,

Ed Rodham
President
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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE (3/12/20)
We continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, taking guidance from USA Hockey, the  Connecticut  Hockey Conference (CHC), and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Today, we postponed our U10 and U12 pre-tryout skates.

USA Hockey and the CHC canceled the National, Regional and State tournaments were canceled earlier in the week.

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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE (3/10/20)
We continued to monitor concerns associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) and wanted to take a moment to provide an update as it relates to Shoreline Sharks activities.  Our top priority, as you know, is the safety of everyone involved with the Sharks, including players, coaches, volunteers, families, and opponents. With the continued issues and concerns associated with Covid19, we are doing everything we can to protect the Sharks ecosystem. 

It is essential that everyone follow the guidelines below and regularly visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization websites for additional information:

• Practice frequent and meticulous hand-washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and/or sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• Avoid shaking hands
• Wipe down all surfaces daily
• Quarantine anyone who is sick
• Ensure safe food sources; thoroughly cook meat and eggs
• Handshake lines after games should include fist bumps with gloves on
• Use individual water bottles; do not share
• Towels should not be shared in any way

If you are in close contact with someone with COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19, and people who are mildly ill can isolate at home.

If you are a resident in a community where there is an ongoing spread of COVID-19, and you develop COVID-19 symptoms, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19, and people who are mildly ill can isolate at home.

While the coronavirus is without question a significant concern, as of today, all Shoreline Sharks activities will go on as planned. It is important to note, however, that the situation is fluid, and we will provide updates as warranted.  It is worth noting that as of today, there are no directives from the CDC to avoid domestic travel, limit large groups, or cancel sporting events.

Thank you for your diligence in following the guidelines above and continuing to stay engaged with this critical topic.  Here is a link to the USA Hockey Player Safety & Health page on their website that includes all their communication updates. 

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. 

Best regards,

Ed Rodham
President