First-Ever LIU Division I Hockey Game Delayed Due To Coronavirus

BROOKVILLE, NY — The season opener for Long Island University's inaugural men's ice hockey team season has been postponed due to coronavirus cases, the school said Friday.

Just three days after Coach Brett Riley and his staff announced the inaugural season schedule, a spokesperson for the college told Patch in an email the game, which was supposed to be played at West Point, was postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests. The disease is caused by the coronavirus. The game has not been rescheduled.

The Sharks were to play their first-ever Division I game Saturday against Army.

Riley's family has deep ties to West Point's hockey program. The Black Knights have been coached by a Riley for 70 years, the university said in a news release prior to the season. Riley's grandfather, Jack, was named the program's head coach in 1951 and had a 36-year career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Riley's father, Rob, coached the team from 1986-2004, and his uncle Brian has since served as head coach of the team.

The Sharks were to play Army three times this season, finishing the season in late February with two games at West Point.

Army West Point confirmed the postponement in a statement Friday to Patch, and said its Nov. 20 game against Holy Cross was also postponed due to the suspension of Black Knight hockey activities stemming from a small number of COVID-19 cases and subsequent contact tracing.

"The health and safety of our team, Corps of Cadets and West Point community is always most important," said Army hockey head coach Brian Riley. "We are disappointed with the postponements, but will continue to mitigate the spread and look forward to get back out on the ice soon."