ASPEN JUNIOR HOCKEY PIVOTS ITS FALL FACEOFF TOURNAMENT AND FUNDRAISER AFTER CITY OF ASPEN'S CLOSURE OF THE ARC DUE TO CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19

The nonprofit is on schedule for tournament events on October 23-25 and October 30-November 1 

Aspen Junior Hockey (AJH) is working with the City of Aspen to reschedule the AJH Fall Faceoff tournament due to the Aspen Recreation Center (ARC) closure October 15-18. The City of Aspen and Pitkin County Public Health closed the ARC in response to a Pitkin County resident and ARC visitor testing positive for COVID-19 on October 14. Through Sunday, October 18, the ARC will undergo an extensive, deep clean following all COVID-19 protocols. AJH supports Pitkin County and the City of Aspen for this swift response to slow the spread of the virus and protect its members. AJH is also working with the City and the contact tracing team to ensure the continued safety of players, families, and the broader community during the remainder of the divisional tournament dates.

"We hope for a speedy recovery to any related ARC or AJH member who tested positive for COVID and send our thoughts to the families at this time," said AJH President Sheldon Wolitski. "We also sincerely apologize for all the visiting teams for being unable to fulfill our commitment to the tournament as scheduled. As always, we are grateful to the families for all their support and look forward to players being reunited with their teammates when we host the division teams once again in the near future."

AJH acknowledges the last-minute closure of the facilities and cancellation of the first weekend of Fall Faceoff created undue stress and logistical hardship to those teams who traveled in for the event, as well as the broader community. Per the City, the goal is opening facilities by Monday for continued AJH practice, if possible. Fall Faceoff tournament dates for October 23-25 and October 30-November 1 are still scheduled as planned.

"Our mission is to be a role model to our players, and we strive to do just that as we continue to support the AJH Leafs and visiting teams," said Wolitski. "As our nonprofit approaches its 50th anniversary, AJH has faced adversity over the years, and we continue to prevail as a program and community. This pandemic is no different. We will do everything in our power to return to the ice under safe, responsible, and fun conditions."  

AJH stays committed to working with the City of Aspen and Pitkin County Health Department and trusts they're doing their due diligence to keep staff and community members as safe as possible. As the City continues its investigation, the AJH leaders and board members work closely with the City of Aspen staff to determine the Fall Faceoff's next steps. AJH will announce the following steps as soon as they are available, including dates for rescheduling and up-to-the-date notifications for future events.

"We share in your stress and frustration, and AJH is genuinely disappointed in the events that have transpired where our program, unfortunately, has to cancel their first weekend of Fall Face-Off," said AJH Executive Director Harlan Pratt. "We understand the effect this may have caused on the players, but more importantly, the families that were committed to being here in Aspen over this beautiful fall weekend.” 

Pratt is one of the AJH leaders working with city staff and reaching out to the business community that traditionally sees an influx of visitors from around the state due to the tournament: "We hope to move forward promptly and safely under the guidance of our City, and County. AJH looks forward to seeing everyone back on the ice shortly. Our continued gratitude to our players, parents, and the community of Aspen. Go, Leafs!"

The nonprofit is dedicated to making athletics accessible to all. AJH is now adjusting its schedule and will announce further details once they have been decided for the two of its major fundraisers, the Fall Faceoff tournament and the previously canceled Stirling Cup, both having been negatively impacted by the pandemic.  

AJH is still accepting donations to support this family-focused community organization's continued operation in place of the traditional fundraising events. To make a tax-free contribution, visit aspenjuniorhockey.com, email jackieayers@aspenjuniorhockey.com or call (970)-920-7081.

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ABOUT ASPEN JUNIOR HOCKEY

Founded by John McBride in 1972, Aspen Junior Hockey (AJH) is an affiliate member of the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) and USA Hockey.  Known as the Aspen Leafs, AJH is a highly structured 501 (c) nonprofit organization that serves nearly 300 youth hockey players in the Roaring Fork Valley. AJH provides developmental, competitive and recreational opportunities for girls and boys starting at age four and continuing through high school. The Aspen Leafs currently compete in the Western Colorado Hockey League (WCHL), Colorado Girls Hockey League (CGHL), and the Colorado Tier-2 Girls Hockey League.

970-920-7081

www.aspenjuniorhockey.com

Aspen Junior Hockey Registration

Welcome to the 2020-2021 Aspen Junior Hockey Registration System. You will first be asked to register with USA Hockey and then return here to proceed with Aspen Junior Hockey Registration. Register at USA Hockey FIRST!

Step 1: Register at www.usahockeyregistration.com and remember to print your confirmation code!

Step 2: Return to this page and then proceed with Aspen Junior Hockey Registration.

Per USA Hockey and AJH insurance regulations and requirements, No Player can be on the ice unless they are registered with USA Hockey.

Registration for existing AJH players must be done prior to October 1st.

Note: In addition to AJH registration, all families will need to register online with USA Hockey/CAHA ($40.00/$20.00 fee – 6 and under no fee but must register). Please go to www.usahockeyregistration.com and follow the instructions and use your USA Hockey confirmation page for AJH online registration.

Click the registration link above for information on scholarships, payments plans or call Jackie 920-7081.

Hello Aspen Junior Hockey Families,

My name is Eric Ward. I am the owner of The Foot Foundation in Snowmass. We specialize in custom insoles for skates, ski, and snowboard boots. We also have an oven to heat and fit skates locally. Our custom insoles use 3D printing that molds of our client’s feet to align your skates or boots for optimal performance and comfort. 

We know how challenging it can be to fit your players skates here in aspen and we are here to help! 

We are located upstairs in the Snowmass Mall  ( next to Zane's Tavern) and can be reached at 970.948.6218 to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions, feel free to call, or email me at eric@footfoundation.com

I look forward to meeting you!
Eric

Monday thru Thursday:
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lewis Ice Arena
Main Level at the ARC
0861 Maroon Creek Road
Aspen, CO 81611

Phone: (970) 920-7081
Fax: (970) 544-8034

Mailing Address:
PO Box 3390
Aspen, CO 81612