SEARCH


New Hampshire Governor says NHL games in Manchester are a possibility

PUBLICATION
Joe De Falco
April 17, 2020  (2:47 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY

Following the suspension of the NHL's 19-20 season on March 12th amidst the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, there's been speculation across the hockey world as to when and where our beloved sport may return.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu shared his suggestion for an NHL return while interviewing with “The Greg Hill Show” on Friday.

Sununu said he's held discussions with the National Hockey League about the city of Manchester, New Hampshire potentially serving as a neutral-site to host games, assuming the season returns.

Manchester, along with cities such as Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, all recently reached out to the NHL, offering neutral-sites to host the 19-20 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Sununu told “The Greg Hill Show;”

"I have had discussions about that. I don't know whether it's going to happen, but we are talking about it. That's all I can really say right now.”

He continued;

"I can tell you it would be a very interesting opportunity for New Hampshire, but even the venues would have to say, 'Yes, we want this,' because we have to make sure what are the liabilities here; what if a team were to get sick, how is it going to be managed? So we're working on some of those logistics. But that's on the table, for sure."

Manchester is a city not unfamiliar with hockey. From 2001 to 2019 the city was home to the Monarchs, an AHL and ECHL minor-league affiliate.

While the NHL season remains halted at this time, the league is currently examining all possible options for a return to the 19-20, and Commissioner Bettman has reiterated his desire to finish out the season and award a Stanley Cup Champion.