THE UNIVERSITY of ALASKA FAIRBANKS OPTS out of the 2020-21 MEN’S ICE HOCKEY SEASON WCHA Will Compete As an Eight-Team League When Conference Play Begins in January

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS OPTS OUT OF THE 2020-21 MEN’S ICE HOCKEY SEASON WCHA will compete as an eight-team league when conference play begins in January

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Dec. 11, 2020 – The University of Alaska Fairbanks notified the Western Collegiate Hockey Association on Friday afternoon that it will opt out of the 2020-21 men’s ice hockey season effective immediately.

The announcement on hockey was made in conjunction with a decision to suspend competition in men’s and women’s basketball at the school as well due to health and safety concerns.

“We realize this was a challenging and tough decision,” WCHA Men’s League Commissioner Bill Robertson said. “We respect Chancellor Dan White and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Athletics Keith Champagne’s wishes to opt out of the 2020-21 WCHA Men’s League season. All of us at the WCHA wish UAF nothing but success in the future with their hockey program.”

With this decision, the WCHA will be an eight-time league this season. Adjustments to the 2020-21 league schedule are to be determined.

About the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Men’s League The Western Collegiate Hockey Association, among the most historic, tradition-rich and successful conferences in all of collegiate athletics, will mark its 69th season of men’s competition in 2020-21. The 10-team NCAA Division I conference consists of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (Chargers), the University of Alaska Anchorage (Seawolves), the University of Alaska (Nanooks), Bemidji State University (Beavers), Bowling Green State University (Falcons), Ferris State University (Bulldogs), Lake Superior State University (Lakers), Michigan Technological University (Huskies), Minnesota State University (Mavericks) and Northern Michigan University (Wildcats). For more information, visit wcha.com.

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