(TRENTON, NJ - August 17, 2020) - Colonial States College Hockey Conference (CSCHC) commissioner John Bullis has announced that the conference has voted to postpone the start of the 2020-21 season until January 2021.

This decision comes after multiple discussions with the members of the CSCHC and as multiple schools and NCAA athletic conferences opt to cancel fall athletics. This includes, but is not limited to, the primary conferences for multiple member schools including the Ivy League, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, and the New Jersey Athletic Conference.

The conference held a vote to decide the next course of action, and determined postponement would be in the best interests for both players and staff.

“CSCHC teams represent a variety of private intuitions, public, and state schools with different regulations respective to their state's laws and orders issued by their Governor or public health officials,” said Commissioner Bullis. “While some schools in our league may possibly still allow students on campus this Fall, others may not. 

“We feel that it is in the league’s best interest to have a delayed start and shortened season to ensure a competitive and safe playing environment for the coaches, officials and ultimately, the student-athletes.”

With the season now suspended until at least 2021, with initial plans to begin games on Friday, January 15, the CSCHC will continue to evaluate the situation as the fall semester develops. The conference is planning to schedule a full slate of league games and a playoff tournament to determine an overall champion.

The conference members will continue to convene regularly to discuss plans or possible alterations to the season restart. Further updates for the conference will be posted on CSCHC social media channels and it’s website.

“We will continue to do everything we can to start our season and ensure that the experience is both safe and meaningful,” said Commissioner Bullis. “We look forward to that day, and until then we will work together while moving forward in the face of the unprecedented challenges we’re confronting together.”

The CSCHC, a member of the ACHA Division II Southeast Region, is set to welcome Stockton University for its first season this January bringing the total number of member schools to 11.