The building of a new hockey facility that would connect the Kohl Center and the SERF has been put on hold, the UW Athletic Department announced Tuesday.

Here is the official release:

MADISON, Wis. -- A facility project that would include a new ice arena, as well as locker and team room functions for the UW men's and women's hockey and swimming programs, will be delayed until further notice, UW Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez said Tuesday.

"This project has been very well received and we are most appreciative of those who have supported it financially thus far," Alvarez said. "We are, however, not quite where we feel we need to be to move forward at this time from a financial standpoint. It simply would not be responsible, particularly in this economic climate, for us to proceed until we feel comfortable doing so. We will continue to work diligently toward our goal of building this important facility."

The new building, which would be connected to both the Kohl Center and the Southeast Recreational Facility (SERF), would encompass a hockey arena that would serve as a competition and practice facility for the UW women's hockey team and a practice surface for the men's team. Included as well would be a variety of locker, athletic training, meeting and office spaces for the hockey and swimming programs.