28
// AUGUST 2020 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM
EING AN ICE HOCKEY OFFICIAL can
be a thankless job. Between dodging bod-
ies and flying pucks on the ice and insults
hurled from the stands and the bench,
it's not easy wearing stripes. Now throw
in the health risks that come with the
coronavirus pandemic and it's a wonder
why anyone would accept the challenge.
And yet, thousands of officials are
ready to return to the rink as passionate
and professional as ever. While some
have expressed reservations, the vast
majority say they are they are ready to
drop the puck on a new season.
In surveys conducted with USA Hockey officials, respondents
were asked to rate their comfort level on returning to the ice and
remaining safe. An overwhelming majority, 72 percent, said they
were very or somewhat comfortable returning to the ice.
Still, USA Hockey has been working with various health agen-
cies to create a series of guidelines to put all officials' minds at
ease as they begin returning to the rink.
B
Officials Brace For New
Challenges As They Return
To The Game
By Harry Thompson
REFS NEW
REALITY
CLICK HERE
for a complete
list of answers to
officials questions
on how to safely
return to
the rink.
