PRESS RELEASE
KENAI RIVER BROWN BEARS FORCED TO PAUSE SEASON IN MINNESOTA
November 20th, 2020
The Kenai River Brown Bears, proud members of the North American Hockey League, confirmed today that a Forced Pause due to the Minnesota Emergency Order announcement has been enacted.
On Wednesday November 18th, MN Governor Walz announced a plan to address COVID spread and related issues, with an Emergency Order that closes all adult and youth sports, as well as many other actions. For the 6 NAHL teams currently in Minnesota, this Forced Pause has eliminated games and practices while closing Ice Arenas. Effective Friday at midnight, it has put the Midwest and Central Divisions in an impossible situation for playing hockey.
“With the announcement by MN Governor Walz, it has made it impossible to play/practice hockey and will force us to reschedule our upcoming games. Our home games and away games were jeopardized as they were all in, or against teams residing in, Minnesota.” Stated Chris Hedlund, General Manager of the Kenai River Brown Bears. “This encompasses 6 Minnesota teams and our Divisional partners in a major way. Rescheduling games is always challenging and adding in our goal to be back in Alaska adds even more complexity. We anticipate beginning in MN around the New Year and resuming our schedule with any modifications needed.”
“As it relates to being back in Alaska after the new year, we will continue to monitor travel restrictions, travel protocols, COVID testing, etc, to determine that outcome.” Stated Hedlund
