Women’s hockey and COVID-19
As the response to the novel virus changes, we’ll keep you updated on how women’s hockey games are impacted
As the COVID-19 spreads, the sports world has been reacting to the pandemic in various ways. Here we’ll track how the women’s hockey world is impacted by it, from cancelations to closing arenas to fans.
NWHL Isobel Cup Final - Postponed
On March 12, the NWHL announced they would be postponing the Final until an appropriate date.
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NWHL postpones 2020 Isobel Cup Final
The final game of the NWHL season was slated for Friday March 13 at 7:15 p.m., in Boston when the Minnesota Whitecaps take on the Boston Pride.
NCAA National Tournament - Cancelled
At 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, the NCAA cancelled the remaining tournaments.
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As of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the NCAA has decided to limit attendance at the upcoming tournaments.
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NCAA tournament to be played without fans due to COVID-19
Quarterfinal games
The NCAA tournament is set to start quarterfinal games at four campus sites on Saturday. Each university as a whole has placed restrictions on how many people can gather, all falling far below the capacity number.
Princeton at No. 3 Northeastern (1 p.m. ET)
As of Wednesday afternoon the Saturday afternoon game is still open to fans.
Mercyhurst at No. 1 Cornell (2 p.m. ET)
Cornell closed the game to the general public. The players from both teams can invite three people each. Essential personal and media will also be allowed in.
Clarkson at No. 2 Wisconsin (2 p.m. CT)
As for Wednesday at 5 p.m., Wisconsin announced each student athlete will be give four tickets. Only essential personal will be allowed in beyond that. Per Todd Milewski, Wisconsin will play with a “limited audience.” No word as of Wednesday afternoon exactly what that means but figure something similar to what Cornell is doing. The game was sold out.
Ohio State at No. 4 Minnesota (4 p.m. CT)
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Saturday evening game is still open to fans.
Frozen Four in Boston on March 17
Boston University moved its classes online but has not closed their campus as of Wednesday afternoon. So far there has been no announcement about the games nor the Patty Kazmaier breakfast.
SDHL Finals - Moved to 3 game series
The SDHL’s finals began on March 11.
The first game was played with fans. According to the SDHL’s site, information about government’s ban on gatherings of more than 500 wasn’t communicated with a timeline. The arena for Game 1 was also already open so they let fans, but closed the arena for the remaining games of the five-game series.
On Thursday March 12, the SDHL cancelled games two and three, moving the series to a best of three.
USport Championships - Cancelled
Late Thursday night, after the first games had already been played, the USports Championship were canceled.
Eight teams are converging on Charlottetown for the National Championship tournament. As of Wednesday afternoon, the games are open to the general public.
Naisten Liiga - Suspended
On Thursday, The Finnish Ice Hockey Hockey Association suspended all remaining activity for the 2019-2020 season, including the Aurora Borealis Cup Final.
The Finals start on Saturday, and, as of Wednesday afternoon, it seems to be business as usual.
2020 IIHF Women’s World Championships - Cancelled
On March 7, the IIHF cancelled the 2020 World Championship which were to be held in Halifax and Truro, Canada. They also cancelled the remaining lower tier tournaments.
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