Union has been successful through the fall term in keeping the number of positive COVID-19 cases low. In order to maintain this positive momentum headed into the winter term, it will be critical to continue the safety precautions of social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and limiting travel to and from campus - all of which pose significant challenges to participating in intercollegiate athletics.

Each ECAC Hockey school made the decision that was best for their respective campus. Union explored every option in attempting to find a way to play safely, but we could not find a way to make it work without compromising the undergraduate academic experience and the safety for all within our community. The continued and significant rise in infection rates and concerning trends prevent us from moving forward in good conscience.

Along with Union’s other winter sports, ice hockey student-athletes will continue to work out with their teams under coach supervision. These teams will be training, practicing, working with strength and conditioning coaches, and engaging in team-building activities on campus during the winter term. 

In addition, other offerings will be available to the Union College campus community, including wellness and recreation opportunities and access to most athletic facilities, following New York State, campus and local health guidance.

Winter student-athletes will return to campus along with the general student population either on January 4-6 (international students and students using college-provided quarantine space) or January 7-9.

Men’s and women’s ice hockey will be provided an additional season of competition and an additional academic year in which to complete it, as part of the decision by the NCAA Division I Council for all winter sports.  

Students selecting in-person engagement for the term, whether their classes are in-person or online, are allowed to participate physically with their teams and coaching staff. Adherence to campus safety and testing protocols are paramount to this participation. Student-athletes selecting a remote mode of engagement will be communicating with their teammates and coaches virtually throughout the term. 

As in the fall term, club sport athletes will be able to practice with their teams under the supervision of a designated college official. These activities will continue to be held on campus with safety precautions in place. 

This decision will not affect the priority or availability of Union season tickets for upcoming seasons. All season-ticket holders will retain the ability to remain in their same seats at Messa Rink for the 2021-22 season, provided that New York State guidelines allow us to maintain the maximum seating capacity of the rink.