Following the NBA’s decision last night the NHL has opted to suspend the 2019-2020 Season effective immediately.
For how long?
Nobody really knows.
However, it’s tough to disagree with this decision from the NHL. The health of the players and their families, the staff that works in and around the games, media and fans, is what is of the upmost importance.
Here’s the statement released by NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman:
“In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with tonight’s games.
“The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus – and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point – it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time.
“We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to take all reasonable precautions – including by self-quarantine, where appropriate. Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup. Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay healthy.”
NHL COMMISSIONER GARY BETTMAN
And this from Toronto Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor, Brendan Shanahan:
Following the @NHL’s suspension of the 2019-20 season, Toronto Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan provided the following statement: https://t.co/pDrZRauT0t pic.twitter.com/JsJfOKHAW5
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 12, 2020
Stay safe Leafs Nation.
GO LEAFS GO!!