NWHL's Riveters withdraw from league tournament after positive COVID results

Metropolitan Riveters forward Rebecca Russo celebrates a goal in Lake Placid, NY on Jan 23, 2021. (Michelle Jay)

The Metropolitan Riveters of the National Women's Hockey League have withdrawn from the league tournament in Lake Placid, N.Y., after several members of the organization tested positive for COVID-19.

In a release issued Thursday, the NWHL noted that the "season will move forward with five teams, and the league will continue to strictly adhere to the medical protocols to protect everyone’s safety."

Out of an abundance of caution, the NWHL has postponed games scheduled for Thursday and will resume play on Saturday, January 30 at 12:00 p.m.

The Riveters finish their tournament with a 2-1 record and a plus-three goal differential. They were scheduled to play twice more in the NWHL's round-robin tournament format, but now the schedule will be shuffled to accommodate for the removal of one team.

“Our team is heartbroken to not have the chance to compete for the Isobel Cup, but we are aligned with the league in prioritizing the well-being of all of the players and staff,” Riveters head coach Ivo Mocek said. “We wish the best to our respected opponents, and I assure you that the Metropolitan Riveters will be back to compete again in Season 7 for our fans and all of our amazing supporters.”

As of now, the format for the playoffs is unknown. All six NWHL teams were supposed to play twice in the playoffs before being re-seeded for the semifinals (leading up to a Feb. 5 final).

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