New CDC recommendation may force cancellation of the NHL season

In the passing days, the world has seen major changes in efforts to combat the spread of the Coronavirus.

Countries across the globe have seen quarantine procedures put into place, major events being cancelled or postponed, and the shutting down of bars and restaurants, along with the shortages of goods and overcrowding of needed services.

While the virus continues to spread throughout North America, the question of when we may see a return to ‘normalcy' hangs in the balance.

And for sports fans, when can we get back to the action?

An announcement made by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on Sunday, March 15th, may hold the answer. It could also mean bad news for hockey fans across North America.

The CDC has officially announced its recommendation of “No gatherings of 50+ people in the United States for the next Eight weeks.”

Important development for sport throughout the country: The CDC just announced it is recommending NO gatherings of 50+ people in the United States for the next EIGHT weeks— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 15, 2020

As far as the 19-20 NHL season goes, that would place the soonest possible return to season around the time it would normally be hosting its Conference Final rounds, prior to the Stanley Cup Final.

While there has been no official word from the NHL regarding any return date or cancellation, given the recommendation by the CDC, it may signal a clear end to the season, as a game, even played in an empty arena, would require substantially more than 50 people.

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