Hockey season put on ice for Colorado College

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado College Men's Hockey Team won't be playing a full schedule this year due to COVID-19 concerns.

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced changes to the 2020-2021 hockey season on Thursday, and it says no games will be held until on or after November 20.

The NCHC says a complete schedule will be released at a later date. A variety of start dates are being considered, and the organization hasn't released information on the number of games and matchups.

That hasn't stopped the Tigers from practicing on CC's campus, but it'll be at least an additional month before they take to the ice against another school. The team was set to open the season on Oct. 9 against Maine.

“The health and safety of all involved across the campus communities, particularly our student-athletes, is the top priority,” said NCHC Commissioner Josh Fenton. “We fully expect NCHC hockey to be back this season. As COVID-19 continues to have an impact on higher education, we have an obligation to host athletic competitions in a safe and responsible manner. We are committed to doing everything we conceivably can to provide competitive experiences that our student-athletes deserve. This delay affords us valuable time to continue formulating plans to start the season successfully.”

While professional hockey is currently taking place, colleges face their own challenges, KRDO's Danny Mata reported in late July. There are more schools. Universities must take into account the student body's health and safety. Players also have roommates, and may need to be moved into single-person housing to help with social distancing.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.