WAKEFIELD, Mass. - Following Wednesday afternoon's announcement by the UMass System president and chancellors to transition course instruction online and reduce large campus events to minimize health risks from the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the Hockey East Championship Quarterfinals series, set for March 13-15 at both the Mullins Center at Massachusetts and the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, will be played without spectators.

The decision, made in conjunction with the host schools, follows social distancing protocols to prevent the spread of the virus within our community and to visitors to campus.

The series on the ice will be played as scheduled. For information on how to watch the games this weekend, full details can be found at HockeyEastOnline.com.

Only credentialed institutional personnel, student-athlete family members, credentialed media crews and official team party members will be allowed to attend games.

Additionally, Boston College made the following announcement that will apply to the Hockey East Tournament quarterfinal series at Conte Forum this weekend.

"Beginning March 12, and until further notice, all Boston College intercollegiate games on-campus will be played without spectators.

Athletic events will take place with essential personnel and limited family attendance, and this protects the student-athletes, employees, and fans.

Only credentialed institutional personnel, student-athlete family members, credentialed media and official team party members will be allowed to attend games.

Fans who previously purchased game tickets for any of this weekend's Hockey East quarterfinals at Conte Forum should expect to receive an email from the Boston College Athletics Ticket Office with more information on the refund process."

Tickets already purchased for this weekend's series will be contacted by the host institution with more information on refunds.

On Thursday, UMaine Athletics announced that it will play its Hockey East Championship Quarterfinals at Alfond Arena with only essential staff and limited family attendance.

This decision, made in conjunction with Hockey East and other member institutions, was made in an effort to continue to focus on limiting the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect our community.

"Hockey East has followed guidance issued by the NCAA and national health officials to make the difficult decision to play this weekend's hockey quarterfinals without spectators," UMaine Director of Athletics Ken Ralph said. "We support the league's position and appreciate their leadership in the face of this public health crisis. I am heartsick for our players and fans who have waited eight years for a quarterfinal series to return to the Alfond. This is a clear case where common sense must overrule our hearts."

Fans will have the opportunity to stream the UMaine quarterfinals, free of charge, through the CBS Sports Digital platform or listen to the radio broadcast on the Black Bear Sports Network (103.9 FM, 101.3 FM, 95.1 FM, 1450 AM, 1310 AM) or via online audio stream at GoBlackBears.com.

Individuals allowed inside Alfond Arena for the quarterfinal series will be limited to credentialed UMaine Athletics personnel, student-athlete family members, credentialed media and official team party members.

Fans who have already purchased tickets to quarterfinal contests will receive full refunds. Anyone with questions or concerns are instructed to call the UMaine Athletics box office at 207-581-BEAR.

Hockey East is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of its student-athletes and all members of its institutions community. Please consult CDC.gov for guidelines and links to important resources.