The Gophers’ Semifinal game of the Big Ten Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament that was to take place at Penn State this Saturday was set to continue without any fans present, but will now be canceled entirely following a decision from the Big Ten. The statement can be read in full HERE.  

  Big Ten Hockey was the last of all collegiate hockey conferences to announce a cancellation, with the NCHC, WCHA, ECAC, Atlantic Hockey and Hockey East all ending their remaining postseason games. It is unclear now how the bracket for the NCAA Tournament will be decided with no conference champions.

  As of Wednesday, the Tournament would continue as scheduled but with no fans present in the stands, according to a press release from the NCAA. How Thursday’s announcements from the six conferences will impact the NCAA Tournament and Frozen Four is unknown, and the NCAA has made no further updates given the new circumstances.

 Measures taken to limit possible exposure of the COVID-19 virus to athletes and fans across all sports have increased dramatically in the past 24 hours after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus Wednesday night before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The NBA moved quickly to suspend the rest of their season, and the NWHL, NHL, and others followed suit. 

More information regarding NCAA postseason decisions for hockey and other sports may be forthcoming, follow the Minnesota Daily to stay updated.