Notre Dame removed from NCAA tourney due to positive COVID-19 tests

Notre Dame was removed from the 2021 NCAA Hockey Championship due to positive COVID-19 test results, the program announced Thursday.

The decision was made in consultation with the Albany County Public Health Department and the NCAA's medical advisory group.

"It's an unfortunate situation, and I feel for our guys," head coach Jeff Jackson said. "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 contract tracing it became clear that for the safety of our team and the others in the tournament we could not proceed."

The Fighting Irish lost in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament but qualified for the national championship as the fourth seed in the Albany Region. They were scheduled to take on Boston College on March 27, but the game will now be ruled a no-contest.

Notre Dame went 14-13-2 in the regular season. It's been in the NCAA tourney field in each of the past five seasons.