Daily testing and symptom tracking identified a positive case of COVID-19 through antigen testing in the UMaine men's ice hockey program. However, all PCR tests conducted on the hockey team members since the possible exposure have been negative for COVID-19. Student-athletes remain in quarantine due to a possible contact with an individual who later tested posted. As a result and team activities have been paused.

The men's ice hockey games previously scheduled this weekend at UMass Lowell will not be played. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. The Black Bears last played in a weekend series against the New Hampshire Wildcats on Dec, 11 and Dec. 12 in Durham, New Hampshire.

The women's ice hockey team will proceed with its plans to compete in Providence on Friday, Dec. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19.

UMaine athletics is working with the university's Emergency Operations Center on contact tracing and additional testing, and to support student-athletes and staff.  It is standing practice across the University of Maine System to limit university activities and contacts to the greatest extent possible in keeping with Maine CDC guidance when a positive case of COVID-19 is identified to isolate infection and protect student, employee, and public health.

"Every step we have taken to prepare for our winter sports season has prioritized the safety of our student-athletes, coaches and athletic staff and our Maine communities," says UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.

"The testing and contact tracing strategies in support of our Division I athletics program are working and the university is already taking steps to limit the spread of infection." "We are very proud of our men's Black Bear hockey team and will be providing all of our impacted players and staff with support during their quarantine period."

*This story has been updated as of Dec. 19