BOSTON – Following recent announcements made by the NCAA and the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), Suffolk University has put together plans for its winter sports programs. After thorough review and continuing consultation with campus leadership and at the local, state and federal levels, select Rams' teams have been cleared for in-state, non-conference competition.  

With the health and well-being of students and staff remaining the highest priority, Suffolk will allow men's and women's basketball and men's and women's hockey the option to still compete against other institutions in a limited capacity over the course of the next month. Schedules for these competitions will be released on a week-by-week basis. 

In addition to these teams, all student-athletes will still be provided athletic opportunities, including strength and conditioning, practices, and team-related activities.  

Strict adherence to the NCAA's Core Principles to Resocialization in College Sports will be met. Further information on varsity athletics participating and safety measures, including testing requirements, have been provided to participating student-athletes and their families.  

Suffolk men's hockey team is set to get things underway with a home-and-home series against Becker this weekend, Feb. 20-21. Suffolk will first travel to the Worcester Ice Center, Saturday, Feb. 20 for a 3:30 p.m. puck drop, with the Rams entertaining the Hawks the following day, Sunday, Feb. 21 at 1:10 p.m. at Louis E. Porrazzo Memorial Rink in Eastie. 

Spectators will not be allowed at any indoor and outdoor Suffolk Athletics events, including students, faculty or staff not competing or working the contest. The no-spectator policy allows Suffolk Athletics game management staff to focus on maintaining the health and safety of those participating in the event.  

Although spectators will not be allowed to attend games at the Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court or the Louis E. Porrazzo Memorial Rink, Suffolk Athletics is committed to live-streaming as many home contests as possible to allow members of Ram Nation and its opponents the ability to watch the blue-and-gold for free online.  

Suffolk Athletics will continue to work with campus, city and state health officials as this semester's athletic schedule progresses and will provide any updates regarding spectator attendance when that information becomes available. 

With the condensed winter season scheduled to begin this weekend, the CCC Presidents' Council has not yet made a final determination on the status of spring sports. It will continue to meet regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, as all options will be thoroughly evaluated to make an informed decision based on both federal, state and city health and safety guidelines.