According to a statement released Tuesday, Northeastern winter sports would return to competition starting Dec. 9. Men’s basketball was supposed to be the first to return to competition, hosting UMass Lowell Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., but this game was cancelled due to COVID-19 cases on the UMass Lowell travel party. Men’s basketball will now tip off the winter season Dec. 11 at UMass Amherst at 1:30 p.m.

The statement comes a week after Northeastern postponed games and practices for all winter sports through Dec. 18, due to a cluster of COVID-19 cases on five varsity teams, including women’s hockey. 

“Adjustments were made after an environmental scan of all teams with respect to COVID-19,” said Athletic Director Jeff Konya. “This is the best decision to have student-athletes compete in a safe climate and at the earliest opportunity. We will continue to make adjustments if needed.”

According to the statement, the men’s basketball and both hockey teams showed few COVID-19 cases during their brief pause in activity. 

Women’s hockey will return also return Dec. 11 at 2 p.m., with the first game in a home-and-home against Boston College. Similarly, men’s hockey will open their season with a home-and-home against Merrimack, with their first game taking place Dec. 12. 

Women’s basketball is still set to start their season after Dec. 18, taking on Merrimack Dec. 19.

This story was updated Dec. 11 1:40 p.m. to reflect changes in the men’s basketball schedule.