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COVID-19 INFORMATION
NSGA Reopening Resources Library
 The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has produced a library of resources to help prepare for the reopening of the economy and return of hockey and other sports. The library includes new videos from suppliers such as Augusta Sportswear Brands and OC Sports, new information on high school sports restart guidelines, a presentation on preparations for reopening your store and access to information on topics such as the Paycheck Protection Program and Business Interruption Insurance.
Additional Resources for HDA Members
 Do you need information on the Paycheck Protection Program through the CARES Act? Looking for resources available in your state? Need some business tips related to COVID-19? Go to the COVID-19 Information and Resources Page to help you navigate this challenging time.
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RULE CHANGE NEWS
NFHS Increases Penalties
for "Dangerous" Skates
 The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced its ice hockey rule changes for the 2020-21 season. They include increased penalties for skates that would be considered "dangerous" because of protrusions.
Eighteen states and Washington D.C., have boys and girls playing ice hockey under NFHS rules.
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MEMBER NEWS
Ron Rugal, Owner of B&R Sporting
Goods, Joins NSGA Board
 NSGA made three changes to the Board of Directors that went into effect on June 1. One of those changes is the addition of Ron Rugal, the owner of B&R Sporting Goods, a family owned business he started in 1984 in Clinton Township, Michigan. "I am excited about this opportunity to work with the NSGA Board and help the sporting goods industry through such a challenging time," Ron Rugal said.
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ADVOCACY NEWS
NSGA Joins PLAY Sports Coalition
 NSGA has joined PLAY Sports (Promoting Local and Youth Sports), a coalition of community and national sports organizations to ensure youth sports survive and thrive coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. PLAY Sports is calling on Congress to help with the impact of lost revenues and the long-term effects it will have on youth sports organizations.
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STATE OF THE GAME
USA Hockey's Returning to
the Rinks Guide
 USA Hockey, along with US Figure Skating and the US Ice Rink Association, has released a "Returning to the Rinks" guide during the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance outlines how to prepare ice rinks to re-open to the public. USA Hockey gives considerations for practices and tryouts initially since there will be a limitation to number of people in the rink.
USA Hockey Guidance on Helmets,
Clear Shields and Cloth Masks
USA Hockey answers the question on whether a helmet with a full clear shield is better than a visor (half-shield) or cage. The use of cloth masks while playing and the purpose of cloth masks are also addressed.
Donations Save University of
Alabama-Huntsville Hockey
 The University of Alabama-Huntsville announced private donations of more than $750,000 in one week will allow the Division I hockey program to compete in the 2020-21 season. UAH stated this was the largest athletic campaign contribution in school history. This is only a temporary fix and the program must develop a five-year philanthropic funding model and resolve its conference-related issues to continue competing past 2020-21.
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RESEARCH NEWS
Paycheck Protection Program Report
 NSGA conducted a survey in mid-April of retailers and team dealers about their experiences with the Paycheck Protection Program process. The report provides data and commentary into how respondents believed the PPP was working.
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NHL Announces Return to Play Plan
 The National Hockey League has announced a plan for a return to play. This will inevitably end the regular season and jump straight into a 24-team playoff format. NHL has stated it will determine the cities to be the hub for the playoffs. This article dives into the details of the NHL's phased plan for the resumption of play.
NHL Create Hockey Diversity Alliance with Hope to 'Eradicate Racism' in the Sport
Akim Aliu, Evander Kane and several other NHL players of color formed the Hockey Diversity Alliance with the aim to "eradicate racism and intolerance" in hockey. The Hockey Diversity Alliance is independent of the NHL, but it would like to work with the league to "promote diversity through all levels of the game."
Kevin Weekes: NHL Needs to get
Real About Racial Inequality
Kevin Weekes, a retired NHL goalie, gave his stance and advice to the NHL on how to address racial inequality. "It starts with these clubs acknowledging the fact that there's a problem," Weekes said.
He describes his experiences as a black NHL player in a predominately white sport.
How NHL 20 Became a Hockey 'Lifeline' During the COVID-19 Pandemic
 NHL teams have used EA Sports' NHL 20 to continue bringing game action to hockey-starved fans during the league's shutdown due to COVID-19. "It's been incredible, to be honest," said Sean Ramjagsingh, the producer for EA Sports' NHL series. "To see fans, players, celebrities using NHL 20 to fill the void of the hockey season."
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JOIN HDA NOW!
Why join HDA? Members join to be more profitable with industry intel provided by the Annual Business of Ice Hockey research report, to network, and stay current with peers in the Hockey Dealers Network. And those are just a few of HDA's membership benefits.
Click here to join and become part of the voice for hockey dealers!
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NSGA Verified Dealer Program
NSGA's Verified Independent Dealer Program recognizes the most qualified independent dealers and retailers in the sporting goods industry.
At no additional cost, learn about the benefits of becoming a verified dealer by
clicking here!
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Retail Reports Available to Members
 "Retail Audit Insights" and "Guide To A Better Retailing Experience" are two comprehensive reports produced by the National Sporting Goods Association. The reports are available for free to all HDA and NSGA members.
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Apply Now for HDA/SDC
Hockey Collaboration
The collaboration for the purchase of hockey equipment by U.S. hockey dealers between HDA, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) and Sports Distributors of Canada (SDC) continues to grow.
Click here to learn more about the collaboration and to fill out an inquiry form to start the process. Members of the collaboration have access to a variety of products and discounts to help boost the bottom line.
There is no obligation to complete the form. Criteria used by SDC to determine participation may include a minimum sales volume of $200,000 in annual wholesale hockey products, credit rating, proximity to existing members and meeting certain store standards.
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Did you know?
The NHL eliminated overtime in 1942 due to wartime restrictions. It was then reinstated before the 1983-84 season.
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| Please Contact Us |
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c/o NSGA
3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, IL 60515
(847) 296-NSGA (6742), ext. 1260.
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