The MIAC announced Monday that it will postpone all competition until January 2021, including both men’s and women’s hockey.
According to a news release, the delay in competition will grant institutions, staff, and students additional time to adjust to new safety protocols on campus in the COVID-19 era while also allowing for continued testing and treatment developments, which remain a key factor for the return of athletics across the nation.
MIAC winter sport coaches have begun work on building a framework and schedules for a compressed conference season beginning in January, while all MIAC teams will maintain the institutional autonomy to practice, train, and conduct other athletic-related activities throughout the academic year in accordance with NCAA and campus protocols.
In addition to the decision on competition, the MIAC also approved legislation for a five-year eligibility relief package to match NCAA eligibility bylaws and accept all NCAA blanket waivers, allowing student-athletes impacted by COVID-19 to plan their academic paths with maximum flexibility. The legislation is effective immediately and will be in place through the 2024-25 academic year.
The conference granted a similar exception for graduating seniors impacted by COVID-19 this past spring.
