College hockey conferences delay start of season, still plan to play

The college hockey season won’t start on time, but the possibility of pucks being dropped by Thanksgiving appears to be on the table.

The Hockey Commissioners Association, an organization that includes all 11 conferences that play men’s and women’s NCAA hockey, announced Thursday that the start of the season will be delayed because of coronavirus concerns. The season usually starts in early October.

“Each conference will announce details on game schedules, including start dates, individually. We look forward to our players and fans enjoying the college hockey experience this season,” the organization said in a press release.

One of the 11 conferences, the National College Hockey Conference, announced that it expects games to begin “on or after” Nov. 20.

Atlantic Hockey, the conference Robert Morris’ men’s team plays in, and College Hockey America, the conference for the Colonials’ women’s team, are part of the Hockey Commissioners Association.