District 10 Hockey has released a statement walking back — at least temporarily — its controversial policy banning postgame, on-ice prayer circles.
“Effective Immediately District 10 Hockey is pausing its End of Game policy for further review, as it has caused some confusion with people thinking it was removing prayer. It is District 10 Hockey’s goal to keep the arenas on time for games, scrimmages, and practices, along with keeping accommodation of an area for prayer or player gatherings,” the statement reads.
“Because this confusion has caused some people to think it was removing prayer, it was to make accommodation for prayer, while keeping the ice time with the Arena’s on time for games, scrimmages and practices.”
As Alpha News reported, District 10 faced criticism from parents, who shared meeting minutes and an email from a District 10 association president confirming that postgame prayer circles would trigger penalties for teams participating in the longstanding ritual.
Families told Alpha News the prayer circles are voluntary, last under a minute, and are a unifying tradition in youth hockey.
Notably, District 10 never responded to Alpha News’ direct media inquiries before posting the statement to its website.
District 10 lists its next meeting on Monday, Oct. 6, at Hidden Haven Country Club.
Minnesota Hockey responds
Minnesota Hockey also released an official statement affirming its “unwavering commitment” to respecting players’ religious practices.
The organization echoed District 10’s assertion that it will be pausing its policy “for further review” and stated that “it was never the intention of the district to discriminate against or prohibit player prayer.”
“Minnesota Hockey affirms its unwavering commitment to honoring and respecting the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds of all individuals participating in our programs,” the statement read. “We recognize and uphold the right of every participant to engage in personal religious practices, such as prayer, as an important aspect of their individual expression and beliefs.”
The governing body added that it remains committed to balancing the rights and beliefs of players while keeping arena operations on schedule, and pledged to encourage open communication among families, players, coaches, and staff.
Minnesota Hockey, the statewide governing body and USA Hockey affiliate, oversees 12 districts across Minnesota, including District 10 in the north metro.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
