ALBANY, N.Y. – Just 12 hours after ECAC Hockey announced changes to its men's quarterfinals pairings, to be held this weekend conference officials announced today it has canceled the remainder of its 2020 men's championship. Games at Quinnipiac and RPI scheduled for March 13-15 shall not be played, along with the semifinals and championship game scheduled for March 20 and 21 in Lake Placid.
This decision has been made in accordance with recommendations from public health and medical professionals in regard to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
"The No. 1 priority of ECAC Hockey and its member institutions has always been and shall continue to be the health, safety and well-being of the student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans", said ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell. "We are deeply disappointed our programs will not have the opportunity to compete for a league championship; however, ceasing championship competition is in the best interest of everyone".
Initial changes followed decisions by two of its members, Harvard University and Yale University, to withdraw from post-season competition in light of their respective University's decisions regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Bulldogs (15-15-2) were coming off an ECAC Hockey Tournament series win over Union last weekend, including a double overtime, 2-1 decision in the third and final game. They were scheduled to play No. 14 Quinnipiac in a best-of-three, quarterfinal series this weekend at Hamden.
The elimination of Harvard and Yale from competition results in re-seeding of the championship quarterfinals as follows:
No. 1-seed Cornell and No. 2-seed Clarkson will receive byes to the championship weekend.
The remaining quarterfinal series this weekend will be played on the following campus sites:
Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 15 (Three-Game Series)
No. 11 Princeton at No. 3 Quinnipiac: 7 pm / 7 pm / 4 pm (if necessary)
No. 8 Colgate at No. 4 RPI (7 pm / 7 pm / 5 pm (if necessary)
The league and its member institutions are continuing to monitor the coronavirus situation. For up-to-date information on the upcoming championship, visit ecachockey.com.
