Winter sports restart across Minnesota

Practices resumed Monday for Minnesota’s young athletes playing winter sports.

Coaches will have limited time to get their teams ready to play games but are ready to get back to work.

Based on state guidelines, practices will be limited to 25 people per group. No spectators will be allowed unless they’re a parent or guardian for someone who is too young or has a disability or medical condition.

Masks will also be required for coaches and athletes in most sports, including hockey.

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"It’s going to be up to us as coaches to make sure we’re calling it as we see it and we’re making sure the kids are safe," Armstrong Cooper Wings Coach Dan Charleston said. "That’s the only reason we have these guidelines – whether you believe it or not that is a different story but think there’s an authority and we need to follow that authority and this is our job right now and until they lift that ban, we need to make sure those masks are worn properly."

Athletes in swimming and diving, wrestling, cheerleading and gymnastics won’t be required to wear masks.

Charleston told KSTP he thinks the hardest part will be getting everyone on the same page to ensure safety, as well as the logistics of everything. As for a state tournament, he said he’s hopeful they’ll have some type of postseason.

Games are set to resume on Jan. 14.

MSHSL: Winter sports to return Jan. 14, masks required