HALIFAX, NS – The AUS announced Friday its pause on the season would be extended, with a target of returning sometime in mid-February. The season was originally scheduled to resume on Jan. 19.

In a news release, the conference said current public health restrictions mean a return to play must come later rather than sooner.

Additionally, the AUS committed to returning sometime this season, willing to get creative and to “explore every possible option” to make that happen. It said modifications to regular season and playoff schedules are possible.

Playoff schedules in hockey and volleyball typically get going around mid-February. The 2022 AUS Swimming Championships are scheduled from Feb. 11-13.

“We’re focused on finding a way for our student-athletes to safely finish their seasons and compete for AUS championships,” AUS executive director Phil Currie said in Friday’s release. “We have several scenarios that would allow for this to happen and will be ready to move forward as soon as we have the opportunity.”

The extension of the break comes in light of high case counts and rising hospitalizations in the Atlantic region and Canada, including the extension of restrictions in most provinces until later in January. New Brunswick will take it one step further tonight, banning public gatherings of any kind and closing gyms until Jan. 30.

The last AUS competition of any kind was on Dec. 4, 2021. The UPEI men’s hockey Panthers defeated the UNB Reds 3-1 in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Nowadays, one cannot travel to the province without first undergoing a four-day isolation period.

More to come.