The NHL will pause the 2019-20 regular season due to the concerns of the coronavirus, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Thursday.
"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," Commissioner Bettman said in a statement.
"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."
The New York Rangers support the league's decision to take this step and suspend the season. We will provide our fans with more information as it becomes available. On behalf of our entire team, we thank our fans for their understanding and continued support.
Official Statement from the NHL
League Pauses Season, Hopes to Resume Play 'As Soon as it is Appropriate'
