This morning, Hockey East announced a statement about the 2020-21 season in light of the continuing COVID 19 pandemic. The announcement relates to both men’s and women’s ice hockey.
The announcement focuses on the intent to play hockey during the 2020-21 season, but with a focus on games between Hockey East members. The conference plans to make sure teams are able to complete a standard regular season schedule. This will include Hockey East Championship tournaments for both men and women’s teams.
Per the statement, Hockey East is choosing to focus on conference play because the proximity of Hockey East schools and the ability to function as a “bus league” allows more flexibility and limits risky travel.
Across the board, Hockey East’s statement makes it clear that details may change and that the priority is finding a way to play hockey while keeping players and staff safe and healthy. There isn’t much detail provided, likely because teams and the league as a whole are creating multiple schedule models and still working on figuring out the best plan of action.
New schedules, a new start date for the season, and more details regarding logistics will be released at an unannounced later date.