A win ... and then a pause

Minnesota State had an impressive season-opening win on Sunday, defeating rival Bemidji State 5-0 at Bemidji's Sandford Center.

And then the Mavericks immediately went into a holding pattern.

Monday's series finale was postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests among MSU personnel. According to Minnesota State's release, there were no positive test results prior to Sunday's game.

Another blow came on Tuesday, as Minnesota State announced that this weekend's games against the Beavers in Mankato have been postponed due to positive test results. According to the press release:

The positive results were detected during team testing, which is being conducted three times per week. Following contract tracing, it was determined that players, coaches and support staff members deemed close contacts would need to be quarantined or isolated in accordance with health protocols. Quarantine concludes with a phased return to activity and cardiac protocols that vary based on the severity of symptoms.

"It's an unfortunate turn of events, as I know how excited our coaches and players were to get back on the ice.  The team looked very impressive in that season-opening game against Bemidji State," MSU athletic director Kevin Buisman said. "It's important, however, that we maintain safety as our top priority. The health and personal welfare of our student-athletes and coaches will always come first. We will implement appropriate medical protocols during this pause in activity and look forward to the opportunity to return to competition after carefully and thoughtfully following that guidance."