The National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced today in a noon EST press release that the start of the 2020-21 season of men’s and women’s ice hockey will be postponed.

The NCHC Board of Directors voted unanimously on Sept. 8 to delay the season. 

“The health and safety of all involved across the campus communities, particularly our student-athletes, is the top priority,” Josh Fenton, NCHC Commissioner, said.

Feedback from campus constituency groups including student-athletes, coaches, university presidents or chancellors and medical professionals was weighed heavily as the conference examined how to proceed with this fall’s season.

Despite the delay, Commissioner Fenton shared optimism about when the season may actually commence. 

“We fully expect NCHC hockey to be back this season,” Fenton said. “We are committed to doing everything we conceivably can to provide competitive experiences that our student-athletes deserve. This delay affords us valuable time to continue formulating plans to start the season successfully.”

While play is currently expected to resume on Nov. 20, the Board is still considering numerous models with “a variety of start dates.” Last year’s season saw play begin on Oct. 5.

Specific details regarding the new schedule, start date, number of games, matchups and other details will be released later, according to the release.

The NCHC, which governs eight hockey teams, including Minnesota Duluth, said member schools are expected to follow NCAA guidelines regarding when teams can begin practice and other hockey-oriented activities.