/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66495329/usa_today_14175789.0.jpg)
Thursday afternoon, the NHL announced that they have paused their league until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The league has not cancelled any games, only postponed them (you can see this on the NHL schedule pages) for a later date to be determined. How the league will plan to hold the events and fit the playoffs into a truncated schedule has yet to be determined. News is coming on what seems like an hourly basis, so we will try to keep you all updated on what is happening.
The @NHL pauses 2019-20 season. https://t.co/WMePei4clH pic.twitter.com/W5Hqmk3kX7
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2020
Once the NHL domino fell in the hockey world, seemingly all North American hockey leagues also cancelled or postponed their seasons and playoffs as well. That list includes the AHL, ECHL, USHL, OHL, WHL, QMJHL, CJHL, NCAA Frozen Four, IIHF Women’s World Championships, IIHF U18 Men’s World Championships, and SPHL. Linked below is a regularly updated list of these cancellations or postponements.
The NBA is planning to remain on the sidelines for at least 30 days. The NHL would be smart to follow suit here.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver intends to resume the season after at least 30 days, "if and when it becomes safe for all concerned.” pic.twitter.com/dhxSqw91tx
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 13, 2020
The Tampa Bay Lightning, Syracuse Crunch, and Orlando Solar Bear all released statements in conjunction with their respective leagues. There is nothing new in their statements, apart from some preliminary words about ticket refunds. Nothing official on that front, for those invested. Tickets for Solar Bears games will be honored when the tickets corresponding games are rescheduled.
Our statement regarding the pausing of the 2019-20 @nhl season: pic.twitter.com/bSQPsKShSb
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 12, 2020
Our statement regarding the suspension of the 2019-20 @TheAHL season. pic.twitter.com/XTFMUOdMy4
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) March 12, 2020
Statement in regards to this afternoon's announcement from the ECHL: pic.twitter.com/NYOdYKlTSr
— Orlando Solar Bears (@OrlandoHockey) March 12, 2020
For precedent, the Dallas Stars answered ticket-related questions in the article linked below. It explains the situation with regards to the ticket postponement policy and their game-adjacent events. It’s not guaranteed the Lightning will follow the same procedures, but it’s an example for those with similar questions.
Syracuse Crunch defenseman Cameron Gaunce is on the Professional Hockey Players Association Executive Committee. He spoke with Patrick Williams about what’s been going on. Highly recommend reading the full Twitter thread.
Players will be on their own for training.
— PATRICK WILLIAMS (@pwilliamsNHL) March 12, 2020
Gaunce points out that not having a resumption date makes this summer from typical offseason training.
"You might see me at Gold's Gym."
In terms of COVID-19 cases, here is what we know so far when it comes to players and personnel around the hockey world.
The Dallas Stars are trying to test Alexander Radulov for the virus but are having trouble getting test kits. They want to know how worried they should be regarding anyone he’s come in contact with.
Jim Nill said on @dfwticket the Stars are still waiting to get a test kit to test Alexander Radulov for Covid-19 since he was ill in the past two weeks. Radulov is fine now, but testing is something Stars want an answer on just to confirm.
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) March 12, 2020
A member of the San Jose Sharks organization (part time employees are part of the team, too) tested positive.
A part-time employee at SAP Center has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The person last worked March 3 game vs. Toronto. https://t.co/UbZVsrGAnt
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 13, 2020
Sophie Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, tested positive for COVID-19 after a trip to the UK last week. The first family is in isolation.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, has been placed in isolation after testing positive for coronavirus. She's feeling well, has mild symptoms and will remain in isolation for 14 days, according to a statement from the PM's office. https://t.co/NPrC3bmYTe
— CNN (@CNN) March 13, 2020
Ken King, former President and CEO of the Calgary Flames, died yesterday from his battle with cancer. THIS IS NOT A COVID-19 CASE.
CSEC ownership, management, and staff are sad to announce the passing of our former President & CEO and our current Vice Chair Ken King.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 12, 2020
He was our leader and our friend and he will be greatly missed. https://t.co/QvIYqy2jYA
Some good news. A research team at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Canada has isolated the strain of COVID-19 virus. This is a first (massive) step towards finding a vaccine (cure).
Canadian Research team has isolated the COVID-19 virus - Sunnybrook Research Institute https://t.co/GOU3w5jbBf
— Jeffrey Luscombe (@JeffreyLuscombe) March 13, 2020
And lastly, a message from our editor: