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The Hockey East Association announced Thursday afternoon that the 2020 Hockey East Men’s Tournament will not be played due to concerns over the COVID-19 health situation.
That confirmed news first reported by U.S. College Hockey Online reported via its Twitter account.
Earlier Thursday, the University of Maine announced that because of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, the Black Bears’ Hockey East quarterfinal series against the University of Connecticut would be played largely without spectators.
The University of Maine System on Wednesday revealed its transition to remote instruction for classes on all campuses for the remainder of the spring semester, effective March 23.
[Read our full coronavirus coverage here]
“Hockey East has followed guidance issued by the NCAA and national health officials to make the difficult decision to play this weekend’s hockey quarterfinals without spectators,” UMaine Director of Athletics Ken Ralph said at the time. “We support the league’s position and appreciate their leadership in the face of this public health crisis. I am heartsick for our players and fans who have waited eight years for a quarterfinal series to return to the Alfond. This is a clear case where common sense must overrule our hearts.”
[Here’s what has been canceled or postponed in Maine due to coronavirus]
Fans who have already purchased tickets to quarterfinal contests will receive full refunds. Anyone with questions or concerns are instructed to call the UMaine athletics box office at 207-581-BEAR.
Prior to the cancellation of the tournament, UMaine was the last of the four Hockey East host schools to make the decision to play without fans present.
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According to USCHO, that leaves only the Big Ten Conference that has not yet elected to forgo its tournament, although it expects that decision is forthcoming.