Finland's top league postponing games due to COVID-19

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is continuing to wreck havoc on the sporting world. Less than two weeks ago, it was reported that Canada's World Junior selection camp had two players test positive, which then shut down the camp until at earliest, December 7th. Now the pandemic has cause one of the world's top leagues to shut down for a little over two weeks.

Finland's highest division, Liiga, announced Tuesday that they will be shutting down, and postponing games beginning Wednesday, and going until December 19th. The reason given is because of the COVID-19 situation in Finland, and that tighter restrictions are being put in place in regions across the country.

The Finnish Liiga is postponing all scheduled games from tomorrow through Dec. 19 because of the deteriorating situation with COVID-19 and stricter restrictions imposed in some regions of the country.— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 2, 2020

“We have done a lot of work during the autumn to ensure the safety of the public, players and employees at match events, and we did well in that work. Now, however, the viral situation has changed for the worse in several areas, so the limitations are understandable. However, it is not financially possible for us to play without the audience” said Heikki Hiltunen, Chairman of the Board of the League.

“We believe that the disease situation will be brought under control quickly with these measures and we will be able to continue the regular series. The intention is to continue to play the full regular season” Hiltunen added.

Most teams in Liiga have played anywhere from 16 to 20 games so far this season. Currently, Lukko, and Ilves are tied for first in the league with 14 wins, 0 ties, and 5 losses. Lukko has two NHLers on loan with them, Jets prospect Ville Heinola, and Panthers prospect Aleksi Saarela. Ilves has several NHLers on loan including Flames prospect Juuso Valimaki, Senators prospect Lassi Thomson, and Coyotes prospect Barrett Hayton.

Source: Liiga

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