All eleven Division I men’s and women’s ice hockey conferences, including the Big Ten, will delay the start of their seasons.

The Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA) announced the decision in a statement Thursday. The HCA also explained that each conference will announce plans for delayed starts at a later date.

JUST IN: Division I men's and women's hockey, including the Big Ten, will delay their upcoming seasons due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Each conference will announce plans individually at a later date. pic.twitter.com/fbwm0JmYau

— Onward State (@OnwardState) September 10, 2020

“The conferences have been working together on plans to return to play with a focus on the health and safety of everyone associated within our campus communities,” the statement read. “Due to the impact COVID-19 continues to have across the country and within higher education, the start of competition for the Division I college hockey season will be delayed.”

The HCA’s announcement comes just a day after Penn State Athletics reported 48 more coronavirus cases among student-athletes. The university stated that there is “no evidence” to suggest the virus was transmitted during practice or training sessions.

The Big Ten made a decision to postpone all fall sports in August, but a decision on any winter sports hadn’t been announced until the HCA released its statement Wednesday.

Both Penn State men’s and women’s 2019-20 seasons were postponed because of the coronavirus this past March. Guy Gadowsky’s squad boasted a 20-10-4 record, were crowned regular season champions of the Big Ten, and were poised to make a postseason run when the NCAA cancelled all winter and spring championships.

NCAA President Mart Emmert said in August that when it comes to rescheduling seasons, winter and spring sports will have priority. However, delayed start dates for hockey seasons will be left up to each conference.