The attached documents and information below are the guidelines we have to follow. Also attached is the updated policies of Twin Ponds. Hersheypark Arena guidelines at this point have not changed.

At the current time, we are being told that we cannot ask for Doctor’s notes saying that the player does not need to wear a mask.  We will go with that this weekend and see where we are next week.  We have asked the DOH and the Atlantic District for more information on topics and we are waiting for a response.

We will need to go with the attached for the weekend.  We appreciate your support.

HJB Families -- as everyone is aware, the PA Governor's office has put out new guidance and terms & conditions related to the significant increase in COVID-19 cases across the State. One of those changes is related to athletes wearing face masks.  

It is now MANDATORY for ALL Players and Coaches to wear facemasks while participating in any Youth Hockey activity, including ON THE ICE during practices or games (or any event) inside their helmets' cages or full shields (wearing a full shield is not considered a face covering. You still need a mask inside it).

It remains mandatory for anyone (player, coach, manager, parent/guardian) to wear masks while inside any part of the buildings where HJB teams practice or play games (HPA and Twin Ponds). This also means all players and coaches should be wearing masks while dressing or waiting outside the rinks as well, given the close proximity of the benches outside TPE.

This new mandate is EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. So if you have a practice tonight, you must wear your mask inside the building AND on the ice. It is in effect through at least January 1st, as we are told, and likely longer.

We realize this is a big change and will bring stress. We acknowledge this, but it is being mandated by both the State and the DVHL, so we all must do our part to comply.

Full details can be found at www.health.pa.gov and here is a link to the FAQ that give specific details about Youth Sports as well as the highlights below:

https://www.health.pa.gov/.../Universal-Masking-FAQ.aspx

Does the Order apply to athletes and sports activities?

Yes. Everyone who participates in sport activities including coaches, athletes (including cheerleaders), and spectators must wear a face covering, such as a mask, unless they fall under an exception in Section 3 of the Order.

Indoors: Coaches, athletes (including cheerleaders), and spectators must wear face coverings, when indoors and where another person or persons who are not members of the individual's household are present in the same space, irrespective of physical distance. This includes while actively engaged in workouts, competition, and on the sidelines, etc.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter, and we will keep you posted as more details emerge.

Given the increases in positive COVID-19 cases that are on the rise in the region, the Atlantic District has announced new regulations for all district rinks and games as preventative measures, including all DVHL rinks, effective immediately. This will impact HJB games this weekend and the key elements include:

* All rinks' locker rooms are to be closed -- players should no longer have access to rooms to dress and should dress as much as possible at home or outside the rink.

* Spectator policy for all DVHL rinks is maximum of 1 spectator per player.

These new regulations obviously bring challenges, but the District is implementing them proactively with the safety of players, coaches and spectators as top priority, as well as to work with the Commonwealth to keep hockey going. Two states (Massachusetts & New Hampshire) have recently shut down all youth hockey activity for 2 weeks given their rises in positive cases, something that none of us want to happen here in PA.

Thank you for your understanding and help in adhering to these regulations and please be safe. Thank you.

Announcement below.

For House/Rec Hockey News and Updates, please click on House Tab above. 

A Message to Hershey Jr. Bears House Hockey Program Participants

Thank you for participating in the Hershey Jr. Bears Youth Hockey program. The Hershey Jr. Bears House League staff are working diligently to proceed with our House program (including Bear Bites) while following all guidelines and rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To say the least, these are challenging times for all of us.

Accordingly, please note that the Hershey Jr. Bears MUST follow and adhere to the terms and conditions on permitted occupancy in Hershey Park Arena as established by its owner, the Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company. While the official PA Department of Health & State guidelines do allow for increased occupancy, we must follow the HE&RC policies related to maximum allowable occupancy.

We respectfully ask for your patience and understanding. We commit to keeping you apprised of any changes to these policies.

Thank you,

Linda Umberger

President, Hershey Jr. Bears

ALL ORDERS DUE BY OCTOBER 21st, 2020

Download and print the order form below.  Complete information and details are included on the form.

HJB Families --

Yesterday Governor Wolf announced new policies on an easing of limitations on the capacity of people participating in indoor activities and it's now back to good news for Youth Hockey! 

Effective this Friday, October 9th, indoor facilities that have the capacity to house less than 2,000 will be permitted to allow 20% of that capacity into indoor events. There is a sliding scale as venues' capacities get larger.

Per the Atlantic District and DVHL, this means that the 2020-2021 League Season OFFICIALLY starts this Saturday 10/10 and all games can be played with full rosters, full coaching staffs and spectators, the exact number of which will vary based on a rink's capacity. 

Every DVHL rink will require all Spectators to adhere to all State COVID-19 protocols, including Wearing Masks and observing physical distancing when inside the building. 

PLEASE NOTE: every rink likely has different capacity numbers, so spectator policies WILL vary from rink to rink. Please consult with your team manager or visit the website of any rink you will be playing at to get exact details. Some rinks may not put restrictions on the number of spectators allowed per player, while some others may implement some limits (i.e.: may only allow 1 or 2 spectators per player).

Please also note that each DVHL rink may have different ownership structures and those owners may impose additional terms and conditions to combat the spread of COVID-19. For example, Hersheypark Arena mandates mask usage for ALL players and coaches even while on the ice, as well as while on the bench and in common areas. Please consult your Team Manager or contact the rink/visit their website to learn more. 

We are extremely excited that our Youth Players can play normal team hockey again, but please continue to be vigilant and exhibit good citizenship with respect to following COVID-19 related guidelines.

Thank You and Let's Go Junior Bears!!!

Letter from the league below.

Hershey Jr Bears House League Participants –  Thank You for your patience as we navigate the ever-changing landscape in response to COVID-19 and how it impacts our youth hockey programs. Our apologies for any inconveniences these moves may cause.

Due to limited ice time availability and restrictions on the number of players, coaches and arena staff allowed in HersheyPark Arena, the 2020/2021 House Season Draft Night originally scheduled at HPA for Monday, October 5th is CANCELLED. Given the headcount restrictions, we are not able to execute this event to our desired expectations.

If your player is registered to play HJB House Hockey this season, they will be assigned to a team by the Hockey Operations staff with the goal of making all teams as fairly balanced as possible.

We are diligently working to have all teams assigned by the evening of Monday, October 5th. Coaches will be notified of their rosters at that time, and they will be contacting you and your participant sometime next week with their team assignment and scheduled start date. We are seeking to get the season started by the following weekend.

We again apologize for any disappointment and inconvenience this news may cause, and will continue to work hard on behalf of all the HJB House Players and their families in order to deliver the best possible experience. We will be in touch as we know more.

Thank you for your understanding and support of Hershey Jr Bears House Hockey!

Amber Albright – Level Coordinator Pee Wees

Jan Budman -COVID-19 Coordinator

Thad Kocuba – Level Coordinator Bantams

At this time, we are announcing that House Draft Night scheduled for this upcoming Monday September 14th is being Postponed until October 5th with the possible starting of practices on or around October 12th.

NOTE: Any returning player to House Hockey WILL NOT need to participate in the Draft Night evaluations. Only NEW PLAYERS to our organization are required to attend.

Click document below for more information

Click on the HOUSE LEAGUE REGISTRATION BANNER above to register for the 2020-2021 House League Hockey Season!

The Hershey Jr Bears are actively registering players for the 2020-2021 House League Hockey Season!   Detailed information can be found in the House Program Guide below.

Below is an update from the DVHL with regards to the start of the 2020-21 season.

We will post updates as they unfold.

Thank you!

CLICK HERE  for important information regarding the upcoming 20201-21 hockey season.  There is also information regarding the J. Bruce McKinney Scholarship Fund application process.  The deadline for application is August 31, 2020.

Click on the TRAVEL REGISTRATION BANNER above to register for the 2020-2021 Travel Hockey Season!

The Hershey Jr Bears are actively registering players for the 2020-2021 Travel Hockey Season! Our intention is to start on-ice Clinics and Tryouts as soon as we are permitted to, so go ahead and register today by clicking on the banner above.

If you have any questions about next hockey season or what to do about registering your son or daughter given the current COVID-19 situation, please feel free to directly contact any of the following Hershey Jr Bears coaches, who will be coaching the top teams at each respective level:

Midget 18U -- TBA 

Midget 16U -- Jake Thomas: coachjakethomas@gmail.com 

Bantam 14U -- Matt Junkins: matt.junkins@lobar.com 

Pee Wee 12U -- Dave Umberger: dave.umberger@gmail.com

Squirt 10U -- Adam Bonenberger: adam.bonenberger@gmail.com

Mite 8U -- Kyle Spittler: magicalex22000@yahoo.com

You must register in order to attend tryouts this Spring/Summer, so please click on the link below to view our 2020-2021 Travel Brochure and see all the enhancements we have made to our program for the new season and register today! 

Thank You for your interest is Hershey Jr Bears travel hockey and as always, be well and be safe!

Let's Go Bears!!!

Through the kindness of J. Bruce McKinney and other donors, the Hershey Jr. Bears Organization is able to offer limited financial assistance to families who are experiencing financial difficulty.

Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of financial need. The identity and the financial information of all applicants will be strictly confidential.

Application forms may be requested by contacting Lori Rich at lrich@hersheyjrbears.org

Please note: ALL Scholarship Fund applications must be received by August 31, 2020. No applications will be accepted after August 31st.

Click on file below to open, download and print the travel hockey program guide.

Greetings to our Hershey Jr. Bears Hockey Family

Hoping you are all staying safe and healthy during this coronavirus pandemic.  We are all looking forward to restarting Jr. Bears Hockey - exact dates are unknown at this time.  We are excited to share this information with you for 2020-2021 Hershey Jr. Bears Hockey!

Before I close I just want to say a quick thank you...

To the delivery men and women who carry our food and medicine to us To the truck drivers and train operators who stock supermarkets and pharmacies, and to the cashiers at the end of the conveyor belts.

To our Teachers who magically transformed their teaching styles effectively and successfully To all of our children (young and older) who may not understand this "new norm" but have miraculously coped and are persevering!

And of course,  to the health-care workers, from nurses to doctors to EMTs, and all support staff whose job is in some sense the same as it's always been yet is suddenly so profoundly different.

Stay Safe - See  you All soon

Linda Umberger

Dear  Hershey Jr. Bears Players and Parents, Coaches and Managers,

Sharing concerns  relative to  coronavirus (COVID-19) and wanted to take a moment to provide an update as it relates to Hershey Bears Youth Hockey activities.

Our top priority, as you know, is the safety of everyone involved with Jr. Bears Hockey.  I share this guidance with you recently published by the   Delaware Valley Hockey League (DVHL). It is important 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
• Anyone who is sick (players, coaches, parents, roommates) should not participate in activities
• Handshake lines after games should include fist bumps with gloves on
• Use individual water bottles; do not share them
• Towels should not be shared in any way

Thank you for your diligence in following the guidelines above and continuing to stay engaged with this important issue.

Sincerely,

Linda Umberger, President Hershey Jr. Bears

Dick’s Sporting Goods continues to be a significant sponsor of the DVHL!

Please feel free to share this with your family, friends and co-workers!

Download and Print Coupons Below

THE HERSHEY JR BEARS 2020 DISCOUNT CARD FUNDRAISER IS HERE!!!

All HJB Travel & House Players have a chance to win great prizes for themselves and their team, while earning money for the organization!

WHAT IS IT? The Jr Bears have partnered with 16 NATIONAL & LOCAL restaurants and retail stores who are offering money-saving discounts to Jr Bears Card holders. The discounts are good from NOW through the end of 2020. Great places like Primanti Bros, Arooga's, Chocolate Avenue Grill, Ruby Tuesday, Chili's, Fuddruckers and more.

HOW MUCH DOES A CARD COST? -- the discount card costs $20 to the consumer, and funds go to support costs of HJB hockey including ice time, uniforms, training equipment, the annual banquet and more.

HOW'S IT WORK? -- each HJB player is asked to sell as many cards as they can, beginning this week. As special motivation, between NOW and January 5, 2020, there are SPECIAL Incentive PRIZES that each Player AND Team can win:

* The 3 HJB teams that sell the most cards combined will receive a FREE Team Pizza Party, worth up to $250 of food & beverages!

Each individual player can win GIFT CARD prizes for themselves. The more cards they sell, the better their prize and there is no limit on how many Gift Cards they can win:

* 5 cards sold = $20 Gift Card to the store/restaurant/service of their choice

* 15 cards sold = $50 Gift Card to the store/restaurant/service of their choice

* 25 cards sold = $100 Gift Card to the store/restaurant/service of their choice

* As an extra bonus, the top 15 sellers will receive a FREE Hershey Jr Bears T-Shirt!

* SUPERSTAR Bonus = any player that sells 150 or more cards will receive FREE player registration for the 2020-2021 Season!!!

HOW DO WE GET STARTED? -- all teams' managers will receive an email with the Official Order Form for the HJB Discount Card in the next day, and a batch of cards will be delivered to them this week.

Managers need to give very player on each team an order form to find out how many cards they will need and players can begin selling immediately by going door-to-door, selling to family and friends, at places of work (where permitted) and for those interested, we have permission from some restaurants to set up a table in front of their location (DM us here for details on which partners).

Players collect the money, turn it in to their manager, who then turns it into HJB Board of Directors Fundraising Director, Doug Hummer.

The Incentive Program listed runs through 11:59pm EDT January 5, 2020. Team performance is measured at that point and the 3 winning teams announced later that week.

Good luck with your selling and LET'S GO JUNIOR BEARS!!!

Long time Scholarship and Finance Director BOD member John Devaney has passed away on October 24, 2019.

He has served on the HJB Board of Directors for many years and will be missed.

For more information about services CLICK HERE 

Please watch this 3 minute video regarding the AAHA Zero Tolerance Policy.

CLICK HERE

SafeSport – Attached below are highlights and the memo summarizing SafeSport. 

1. The US Center for SafeSport has exclusive jurisdiction over all allegations of Sexual Misconduct and has discretionary jurisdiction over other possible SafeSport allegations.
   1. Basically any adult, covered by USAH, is considered a mandatory reporter and if any such person learns of facts that give reason to suspect that a child has suffered an incident of Child Abuse,

the adult shall as soon as possible report the suspected abuse to both the US Center for SafeSport and to applicable law enforcement authorities.

1. SafeSport Training;
   1. Beginning this season, SafeSport training is required every year.  However if you completed training in the most recent season (2018-19) you will retain valid training status for 2019-20.
   2. All (whether registered with USAH or not) board members of the clubs and affiliates are to have SafeSport training.  There will be audits conducted to assure all required have been trained. 
   3. All players born in 2002 and earlier that are playing on a team with players under 18 are required to have SafeSport training prior to being put on the roster.
   4. USAH will offer and give training to minor athletes with age-specific training, this will not be required for the minor athletes except for “c” above.
2. Screening will move to a national program administered by USAH starting the 2020-21 season.  The US Olympic Committee is still in the process of finalizing background screening policies, hopefully finalizing by September this year.
   1. The USAH national program will still require the Pennsylvania individuals to still follow PA law for screening.  THIS WILL NOT REPLACE THE PA SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.

Beginning Hockey skating classes are available!
These lessons are developed in conjunction with USA Hockey and will develop or strengthen the skills needed for beginning and advanced beginning players.  A look at the hockey curriculum is available clicking on the link below. 

In four badge levels, skaters will learn how to be more proficient and agile on the ice. Proper skating techniques for the game of hockey are the primary focus of the levels. All elements will be taught without a puck. Skaters will learn the basic hockey stance, stride, knee bend, use of edges and other necessary fundamentals to be successful in hockey practices and game situations.

Necessary equipment: • Hockey skates • HECC Approved Hockey Helmet

Use this LTS registration link, (click)  for more information and be sure to select the Hockey Track when asked. 

Let's go bears!!!