Notre Dame has positive COVID test, removed from tournament

The NCAA and Division I Men's Ice Hockey Committee made the decision in consultation with the Albany County Public Health Department and the NCAA Medical Advisory Group.

“It’s an unfortunate situation and I feel for our guys, especially our seniors,” Head coach Jeff Jackson said via a press release. “The team was excited about returning to the NCAA tournament and ready to continue competing after earning the opportunity. But with the multiple positives and subsequent contact tracing it became clear that for the safety of our team and the others in the tournament we could not proceed.” 

Devastated to have our season end this way.

We will not be competing in the NCAA Tournament due to COVID-19 protocols.

➡️ https://t.co/Q6XeXgwr7r pic.twitter.com/d4SffWFjVN

— Notre Dame Hockey (@NDHockey) March 25, 2021

The Irish's at-large bid marked their fifth-consecutive tournament appearance, the second-longest active streak in the field, and 12th overall. 

After losing in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament on March 14, the team remained in COVID testing protocol through March 20. Additional PCR testing was done on campus before the team left for Albany. Seven rounds of testing were completed.

Notre Dame, the No. 4 seed in the Albany Regional was set to take on No. 1 seed Boston College at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be ruled a no contest.

The Irish finished the season 14-13-2.