Bucco Welcomes the Return of Ice Hockey Games in New Jersey

Governor Responded Positively to Senator’s Call for the Safe Resumption of Indoor Practice and Competition

Tonight, hundreds of youth and amateur ice hockey players, their coaches and families got the news they’ve been waiting for: The Governor finally lifted restrictions so games can begin again.

“I am glad to hear that the Governor has finally decided to allow certain indoor sports to resume competitive play. I think a lot of people will be happy that the frustrating wait is over,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco, who called on Murphy to green-light the return to the ice in a press release on Thursday. “I want to thank and commend the Governor for taking another look at the facts and realizing hockey could be played responsibly without undue risk of spreading COVID. The science was there to support the playing of games with appropriate precautions that will not change the way the sport is played.”

In signing his latest executive order, No. 187, Murphy also allowed other medium risk sports to return to practice and competition in indoor settings. The Governor’s press release stated, “The order encompasses sports including hockey, basketball, cheerleading, group dance, rugby, boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo, and wrestling.”

“I am pleased the efforts of myself and colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus, along with ice hockey players, parents and coaches have resulted in some good news for so many young athletes. This news is especially important to high school athletes in their senior years who dream of competing in college and possibly earning scholarships.

“This is also a small victory for all of us who have seen the life-changing impacts of the pandemic,” Bucco continued. “It is one more step toward the responsible return to normalcy that our society so desperately craves.”