Post #5 — 11/16/20
Nov. 16 UPDATE as of 8:30am…
- COVID Already Impacting NCAA Games and Programs
Games have been postponed this Friday between St. Cloud and Bemidji in St. Cloud, MN as at least 8 St. Cloud players tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. Players who tested positive and meet the criteria for mandatory quarantine must remain in quarantine for up to 14-days. St. Cloud is scheduled to play its next series Nov. 27-28 vs. Mankato in St. Cloud. You can read more on this developing story HERE.
The University of Vermont Athletic Department announced late Sunday evening it will not compete in any winter sports until Dec. 18. An article in the Burlington Free-Press [Read Here] links the decision not to any outbreak of cases with any one team, but more out of a “…most responsible course of action”. Vermont has seen a spike in cases statewide which has prompted a change in restaurant dining and travel restrictions, all recreational sports has been paused until Dec. 15t as well. High school winter sports, which usually begin in late November, have now been pushed to begin Jan. 11. As one of the largest employers in the state, you can bet UVM has been in close communication with VT state health officials in how to not make matters worse. I suspect teams traveling to UVM was a major concern as states in the new england region have cases surging.
Hockey East had just announced on Nov. 11 its 20-21 women’s and men’s return to play protocol and schedule. Looks like that will be getting a major adjustment. No word on if missed games will be made up.
As we stated in our previous post, we figured hockey would have the same game postponement issues as football. Looks like hockey is in for a bumpy ride.
We will continue to update and monitor any other related COVID college hockey developments.
Until next time… stay safe and be well.