SAINT VIATOR HOCKEY COVID-19 UPDATE

As of November 20, 2020, Illinois Governor Pritzker initiated a Tier 3 Mitigation Plan in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our state. Due to this order, the Saint Viator Hockey Club will be paused, effective immediately until further notice.

The Saint Viator Hockey program has had a long tradition as one of the premier High School Hockey programs in the State of Illinois for over 40 years. The team plays in the Scholastic Hockey League, which is perhaps the most competitive High School Hockey league in the State, producing several State Championship teams and finalists over the years.

The Saint Viator Hockey team has had many successes including JV State Champions, 3 Varsity State Championship Finalists, 2 Scholastic Cup Championships, 2 Kennedy Cup Championships, DiCristina Cup Champions and has won the competitive Blackhawk High School Hockey Classic Tournament as well as the Loyola Thanksgiving High School Tournament.

Several of our players have also gone on to play in the junior leagues as well as at prep schools and the collegiate level (both varsity and club). Among the many goals of the program, we strive to develop all of our players on ice skills as well as teach them valuable off ice lessons and principles in an effort to assist in their development as young men and women. As a Saint Viator Hockey player, you will have the opportunity to be a part of the rich Saint Viator Hockey tradition and to represent Saint Viator and its values together with your fellow classmates.

FAQ ABOUT SEASON

Beginning on August 15th Governor Pritzker placed hockey in the high-risk category assigning Hockey to a play Level 1 which entails no contact practices and training only.

How will this affect Saint Viator Hockey?

Saint Viator Hockey will begin conditioning and evaluations on August 24, 2020 as previously scheduled.

AHAI has hired attorneys to change Hockey to a medium risk classification at this time. We will keep everyone updated as information comes in from the governing body AHAI.

Do you think there will be games?

Yes. Not sure when the season will begin. It could begin October 1st, November 1st- this is a very fluid situation and we have been advised by AHAI that the decision will be up to our league-SHL as to what they feel will be the appropriate start date.

With no games scheduled at this time how will we continue to engage our players?

Our players need an outlet for physical activity and social normalcy. Just coming to the rink and getting on the ice is a move in a positive direction. Our coaches will continue with skill development.

Thinking about fees, what should be expected?

Saint Viator Hockey Club fees provide for a high level of professional coaching, the cost of the ice rental as well as on-ice and off-ice training. While we are planning to provide for the same amount of ice time, games and tournaments as in a normal season, we recognize the obvious uncertainty in this outlook and are likely to modify our payment plans to better align with the progression of the actual season.

Stay safe!

Valentina Gern Tim Benz

President Saint Viator Hockey Saint Viator Hockey

Director

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update

Lion Hockey Families,

As I am sure most of you are aware, the IHSA has cancelled all spring sport activities. We have decided to follow the lead of the IHSA and Saint Viator High School and cancel spring hockey.

We had hopes to return to the ice on May 1st, but that unfortunately it is not going to happen. We are waiting on the instruction of the IHSA and the governor as to when we can start back up again and adhere to any new restrictions that might be put in place. As soon as we get some guidelines as to when we can safely get back on the ice we will start to develop our summer program.

Since the situation is constantly changing, we do not yet have ice times and dates locked in for our summer program. The safety of or players, coaches, parents and families has been, and will always be our top priority. We will adhere to any guidelines that are recommended by the powers that be in order to keep our Lion hockey community safe and healthy.

As mentioned in a prior email, we will issue all springs fees that have been paid as a credit toward fall fees. If you are requesting a refund at this time please let me know and we will be happy to issue it.

In the meantime, I will be contacting all new players to our club as we can start the Jersey number and Jersey sizing process for the Fall / Winter season. We can hopefully get a head start on this process so when the fall season comes we will be fully equipped and ready to go. Any returning players that are in need of a new jersey please contact me so we can get the process of ordering a new jersey rolling for you as well.

Thank You,

Tim Benz
Hockey Director, Saint Viator Lions