The National Hockey League has paused the 2019-20 season over COVID-19 (Coronavirus) concerns.
The news was announced by NHL League Commissioner Gary Bettman, and arrives a day after the NBA announced that it too would be suspending the current season after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. The full statement from the NHL is as follows:
“In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with tonight’s games.
“The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus – and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point – it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time.
“We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to take all reasonable precautions – including by self-quarantine, where appropriate. Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup. Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay healthy.”
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The NCAA announced that, for the time being, the March Madness tournament would still take place, although it would be held without fans in attendance.
Reports are also stating that the MLB is expected to announce the postponement of its upcoming season and spring training as well.
These are just a few of the entertainment events impacted by COVID-19, as E3, GDC, SXSW have all cancelled or postponed their annual events.
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Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Source: IGN.com National Hockey League Suspends Season Over Coronavirus Concerns