Lakeland Hockey Association

March Tryouts Push Back to April 7, 2020

Over the last week, we have seen local schools, universities, amateur and professional sports and both large and small business take important steps in order to best mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The President of the United States has declared a National Emergency, and the Governor of Michigan has also issued similar declarations.

As part of the Governor’s order, she is limiting large gatherings to 250 people, with a recommendation that gatherings not be over 100 people. We are expecting mandates of even lower gathering numbers as the amount of confirmed cases increase in Michigan. In addition, several municipal rinks have announced they will be closed for the next several weeks and some have also announced they are taking ice out early to reduce expenses incurred with idle facilities. This leaves some associations with no ice until early April.

Today (March 14) the Michigan Amateur Hockey Executive Board has enacted an additional emergency action to push back the start of ALL tryouts for next season until no earlier than April 7, 2020. The Executive Committee feels this best serves the overall well-being of our players, coaches, officials, volunteers and their families, and that it will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We also feel that this will help provide a fair and equitable playing field for all organizations and teams to be able to start tryouts on level footing. MAHA expects all organizations and coaches to be respectful of this change and MAHA will enforce sanctions of anyone found violating that date. Violations could include executing commitments, parent/player contact, evaluation skates, team building exercises etc. Sanctions can impact an organization's ability to play in leagues and district or state tournaments next season, as well. 

Be advised that tryouts dates could still change further as the situation evolves. 

We will continue to monitor state and local government directives and provide updates as needed. Thank you for your continued support. Stay healthy.

Head Coach: Scott Wilson

About Lakeland Hockey Association  

Lakeland Hockey Association (LHA) is a non-profit volunteer based organization that oversees one of the finest youth hockey programs in Southeastern Michigan.  Offering developmental, competitive, and recreational ice hockey programs for children ages 4 through 18.  LHA is governed by USA Hockey and Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA).  Our commitment to youth hockey and the love for the game continues to make LHA one of the premier hockey associations in Southeastern Michigan.

Mission

LHA is a non-profit volunteer based youth hockey organization whose sole purpose is to promote a safe, economical, and rewarding experience for its members wanting to participate in ice hockey.  LHA believes in fairness, integrity, player education, sportsmanship, and player enjoyment at all levels.  Success is measured off the ice as young players develop into responsible adults that our community can be proud to have as ambassadors.

Goals

LHA’s goals are to develop its players′ work ethic and character on and off the ice, teach the fundamentals of hockey, and promote good sportsmanship and everlasting friendships.  LHA strives to create a program that provides a challenging yet fun and safe environment for its players.   

LHA, USA Hockey, and MAHA