AHL cancels remainder of season, playoffs due to coronavirus concerns
League will not award Calder Cup for first time since 1936 formation
ByNHL.com @NHLdotcom
The American Hockey League, the top development league for the NHL, canceled the remainder of its regular season and the Calder Cup Playoffs on Monday.
The AHL had announced March 12 a suspension of its season due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, the same day the NHL paused its season for the same reason. There were 209 regular-season AHL games remaining.
"After a lengthy review process, the American Hockey League has determined that the resumption and completion of the 2019-20 season is not feasible in light of current conditions," AHL president David Andrews said.
"The League's operational focus has turned toward actively preparing for the 2020-21 season.
"We are very grateful to the National Hockey League and its teams for their support and leadership in navigating through the challenges faced over the past two months.
"The AHL continues to place paramount importance on the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans and all of their families, and we all look forward to returning to our arenas in 2020-21."
It will be the first time since the AHL was formed in 1936-37 that the Calder Cup will not be awarded. Charlotte, the top affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, won the Calder Cup last season, defeating Chicago (Vegas Golden Knights) in five games in the best-of-7 series.
The AHL Board of Governors has voted to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 AHL regular season and the 2020 Calder Cup Playoffs due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.
