U Sports cancels championships - but AUS could still play

There will be no University Cup champion crowned for a second straight year.

U Sports announced on Thursday that all winter sport national championships - which includes men's hockey - have been cancelled for the 2020-21 season due to COVID-19 and the travel restrictions the pandemic has created. This year's tournament was scheduled to take place in March at Charlottetown's Eastlink Centre.

It's the second straight year that COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of the University Cup. Last year's tournament in Halifax took place at the same time as the global sports shut down began and was forced to end after just one day of action.

While this is obviously bad news, there is still a chance we see university hockey in Canada this season - especially in the Maritimes. Atlantic University Sport announced that a return-to-play committee will make a recommendation on how (or if) to proceed with conference games and championships by mid-November.

"The committee will focus its efforts on the areas of health and safety, financial accountability, and travel concerns, and will provide its recommendations to the AUS board of directors by early November," stated an AUS press release."

"A board decision is then expected by mid-November."

The Quebec conference, RSEQ, has only cancelled sports until Jan. 15. What that means for hockey is fuzzy given that its men's teams play in the Ontario conference. Canada West and Ontario have both cancelled Winter sports and championships - but they could still take part in exhibition matches.

"While the conferences are not sanctioning any sporting activities, members will be able to schedule exhibition games if local health authorities permit," writes Ben Steiner of 49-sport.com. "This has already gone on in fall sports, with exhibition games for soccer and golf taking place."

This decision impacts a ton of Saint John Sea Dogs alumni, most of whom play for Ontario, Quebec and Maritime schools. You have to wonder if a lot of university players may end up going pro, especially guys who are in or are nearing their final season of eligibility/schooling. European leagues are up and running and the ECHL is planning on a December return - both of which may be enticing destinations.