The ECHL is done for the season

The East Coast Hockey League, which has several teams that serve as second-tier minor league affiliates for the NHL, has decided to not even bother with a suspension of play over COVID-19 concerns. The league has officially announced the full-on cancellation of the remainder of the year, including playoffs.

"The decision by the ECHL to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 Season does not come lightly, as this is an emotional time for our Players, Coaches, Member Teams, Fans and Staff," the league stated in a release. "At this point in the Season, there has been immense dedication and countless hours committed in moving towards what is traditionally the most exciting part of the hockey year. "

"With that said however, as each passing day raises additional concerns for the safety of those in the ECHL community and as we take precautionary measures in conjunction with our local authorities across the continent to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it has become apparent that this is the prudent decision. Our game and our product are based on our Fans and their ability to cheer on their favorite ECHL team and Players at one of our many facilities around the continent. Without that social environment and game atmosphere, the ECHL simply isn't the same."

"While we are hopeful that this period ceases and an opportunity to return to normalcy for the hockey calendar presents itself, in the interim, we ask all Fans, Players, Coaches, Officials, and Staff to continue to abide by the measures put in place by their local authorities and follow precautionary protocols for their safety, as we will begin preparations for the 2020-21 ECHL Hockey Season."

The NHL and AHL have opted for the suspension of play rather than an all-out cancellation, with both leagues hoping to resume with at least a playoff period for 2019-20. However, it is interesting to note that those leagues made that choice two days before the ECHL's announcement. The possibility of some type of play before the start of the 2020-21 season appears to be fading a bit more with each passing day.

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