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-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 3/13/2020 1180607 NHL suspending its season indefinitely over coronavirus 1180635 'Stay tuned': Flames season on pause after NHL pandemic suspends play due to coronavirus 1180608 NHL suspends season temporarily over coronavirus 1180636 Another rousing Crowchild Classic at the Dome concerns 1180637 COVID-19 concerns hit home for Flames CEO and 1180609 Scenes from hockey in SoCal the night before COVID-19 president John Bean paused the NHL season 1180638 More questions than answers about NHL's approach to COVID-19: 'It moved fast' 1180639 Ken King remembered at Saddledome as ‘larger-than-life 1180610 NHL joins NBA, others in suspending season due to personality’ and commanding presence coronavirus concerns 1180640 ‘An explosive personality’: Remembering former Flames 1180611 A timeline of how coronavirus has impacted around president and CEO Ken King the country 1180641 How does it feel to be quarantined in-season? Former 1180612 suspends season amid NHLer Rhett Warrener knows coronavirus concerns 1180613 What’s in store for Barrett Hayton, Jan Jenik, Victor Söderström next season? 1180642 NHL suspends 2019-20 season because of coronavirus threat Bruins 1180643 NHL joins NBA, MLS in suspending season due to 1180614 Here’s what the Bruins said about the NHL suspending the coronavirus pandemic season 1180615 NHL was left with no choice but to suspend the regular season 1180644 Column: As the sports world goes dark, what will we do? 1180616 NHL suspends play beginning Thursday amid coronavirus 1180645 An unthinkable Thursday: Coronavirus brings the sports pandemic world to a screeching halt 1180617 Coronavirus: Why sports have no choice but to hit pause 1180646 NHL postpones 2019-20 season indefinitely, including button Blackhawks’ final 12 games 1180618 Businesses brace for downturn after NBA and NHL 1180647 Blackhawks cancel scheduled Thursday practice ahead of suspend seasons over coronavirus NHL decision 1180619 NHL, Bruins hit pause button 1180648 Adam Boqvist’s absence revealing Blackhawks’ difficulties 1180620 National Hockey League suspending its season, hopes to with defensive-zone breakouts resume play at a later date 1180649 NHL suspends season due to coronavirus 1180621 NHL cancels skates, practices and team meetings due to 1180650 Blackhawks provide update on ticket refund policy for coronavirus remaining home games 1180622 : The Best Team No One is Talking About 1180651 Chicago team owners agree to cancel home games or 1180623 What could things look like for the Bruins when the NHL play without fans until May 1 returns to action? 1180652 NHL officially suspends season indefinitely over 1180624 Here's why Boston athletes will benefit from time off amid COVID-19 pandemic coronavirus outbreak 1180653 NHL advises teams to cancel practices and meetings amid 1180625 NHL temporarily pausing 2019-20 season amid coronavirus pandemic coronavirus outbreak 1180654 Gov. Pritzker recommending no sporting events in Illinois 1180626 It's time for the NHL to do the right thing and suspend the until May season 1180627 This is scary s—‘: Impact of NHL hiatus felt far across Bruins landscape 1180655 NHL suspends regular season amid coronavirus 1180628 A promising Bruins season has been put on ice. But will it pandemic; AHL follows suit resume? 1180656 As the NBA and NHL go on hiatus, so do paychecks for 1180629 ‘Are you ready for it, or not?’ Bruins out to test Anders those behind the scenes Bjork’s playoff mettle 1180657 Avalanche defeat Rangers in overtime 1180630 It's unfathomable: The games have stopped and we don't 1180658 Michael Arace | If NHL season resumes, Jackets can turn know when they'll be back a negative to a real positive 1180631 NHL suspends its season amid outbreak of coronavirus 1180659 Coronavirus suspends sports as officials try to slow 1180632 Sabres cancel team meeting, media availability as NHL spread ponders next steps 1180660 NHL follows suit and suspends season because of 1180633 What happened to Sabres star Tim Connolly? After 7 coronavirus years, he’s ready to explain 1180661 NHL tells its teams to cancel morning skates, practices 1180634 Sabres’ Olofsson-Johansson-Kahun line focuses on role and meetings rather than position 1180662 Michael Arace | Pro sports needed to act faster on coronavirus 1180663 Blue Jackets prohibit fans from home games due to coronavirus concerns Canadiens 1180664 NHL suspends its season amid coronavirus pandemic; 1180699 Stu Cowan: Gary Bettman convinces NHL owners to teams will not have practices, meetings during suspension 'pause' season 1180665 Sherrington: Coronavirus putting sports world on hold may 1180700 AHL follows NHL's lead and suspends season due to be right call, but that doesn’t make the reality any coronavirus 1180666 ‘We are just laying low’: Stars players step away as NHL 1180701 NHL decides to suspend season because of coronavirus postpones 2020 season 1180667 Stars need Rick Bowness to find the answers to their ongoing spiral 1180702 Predators encourage players to 'self-isolate' during 'pause' caused by coronavirus 1180703 Predators say ticket refunds will be issued if games 1180668 NHL puts season on 'pause'; Detroit Red Wings headed canceled home from D.C. 1180704 NHL suspends season because of coronavirus concerns 1180669 Stadiums are closed, but Michigan's sportsbooks are open: Inside Day 1 of sports betting 1180670 Under-18 world championships canceled in Plymouth, Ann 1180705 Devils support decision to suspend NHL season as Arbor coronavirus forces Prudential Center to shut down 1180671 NHL suspends season amid coronavirus concerns 1180706 Coronavirus forces NHL to suspend regular season | 1180672 Niyo: Trio of brick-and-mortar sportsbooks begins ‘new What’s next? (UPDATE) era’ of betting in Detroit 1180707 Devils, Prudential Center take further action after NHL 1180673 Grand Rapids Griffins sidelined as AHL joins others in suspends season due to coronavirus suspending season due to coronavirus 1180674 NHL suspends season as coronavirus precaution Islanders 1180675 Veteran Brian Lashoff speaks about milestone game with 1180708 NHL pauses 2019-2020 season amid coronavirus Grand Rapids Griffins outbreak 1180709 Islanders return home amid NHL shutdown and brace for the unknown 1180676 TYCHKOWSKI: Edmonton Oilers, like everyone else, coming to grips with NHL shutdown 1180677 What happens to NHL draft if games go into late June? 1180710 NHL suspends season due to coronavirus concerns; NY 1180678 Hockey games are still being played in Sweden and few Rangers playoff push put on hold other places 1180711 NHL pauses 2019-2020 season amid coronavirus 1180679 JONES: NHL puts pause on regular season due to outbreak COVID-19 outbreak 1180680 Oil Kings on ice as WHL follows NHL lead and puts hiatus on season 1180712 Ottawa Senators head home to play waiting game after 1180681 NHL pauses 2019-20 season due to coronavirus concerns NHL season is put on hold 1180682 Key questions surround Oilers in wake of NHL’s 1180713 Senators fly home amid the great unknown of what coronavirus suspension happens next in the NHL 1180683 What will the NHL season look like if it resumes after the coronavirus shutdown? 1180714 The Flyers’ shot at a Stanley Cup is now in jeopardy, thanks to a vile little bug of an opponent 1180684 Coronavirus has left unprecedented mark on sports. How 1180715 NHL suspends season amid coronavirus outbreak; this is has it impacted South Florida? ‘bigger than hockey,’ Flyers GM says 1180685 NHL suspends play because of the coronavirus, but hopes 1180716 Wells Fargo Center cancels Billie Eilish, all March events to resume season in future amid coronavirus fears 1180686 No Florida Panthers games for a while; NHL suspends 1180717 How NBA, NHL, NCAA, MLB should resume from season over coronavirus fears coronavirus hiatus | Marcus Hayes 1180687 Has Chris Driedger become the Jordan Binnington of the 1180718 Flyers await NHL’s decision on season, scheduled to play Florida Panthers? in Tampa on Thursday 1180719 We interrupt the games to bring you germ warfare 1180720 Coronavirus concerns force NHL to suspend 2019-20 1180688 NHL suspending its season indefinitely over coronavirus regular season pandemic 1180721 Wells Fargo Center closed for cleaning, all March events 1180689 NHL suspends season temporarily over coronavirus postponed concerns 1180722 NHL suspends its season amid coronavirus concerns, 1180690 Q&A: Kings team brass on coronavirus tests, arena hopes to return workers assistance and more 1180723 Wells Fargo Center closed for 'extensive cleaning and 1180691 Scenes from hockey in SoCal the night before COVID-19 sanitization' paused the NHL season 1180724 Season postponement gives Flyers and fans another 1180692 TRANSCRIPT OF / KELLY reminder of what matters most CHEESEMAN CONFERENCE CALL 1180693 AHL SUSPENDS PLAY, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY 1180694 NHL PAUSES 2019-20 SEASON; KINGS ISSUE 1180725 Penguins’ affiliates halt play STATEMENT 1180726 Kevin Gorman: Shutdown of the sports world showed us that leaders are not to be trusted 1180727 NHL suspends season over coronavirus concerns 1180695 NHL suspends season with Wild in playoff limbo 1180728 Minor league report: Riley Barber leads Penguins past 1180696 Wild cancels morning skate as uncertainty looms over Phantoms NHL season amid coronavirus pandemic 1180729 Tim Benz, Seth Rorabaugh break down Penguins issues, 1180697 NHL suspends season amid coronavirus crisis impact of coronavirus on NHL 1180698 ‘Hopefully, this isn’t it for us’: Where the Wild stand as the 1180730 Tim Benz: What’s wrong with the Penguins? Here are 2 NHL hits pause theories to debunk 1180731 NHL suspends season amid COVID-19 concerns Capitals 1180732 SAP Center employee tests positive for COVID-19 1180757 Coronavirus leads to mass sports cancellations; many 1180733 Kurtenbach: No time for fun and games — why sports events 'can't be replaced' needed to be shut down in the wake of coronavirus 1180758 No events at Capital One Arena 'until further notice' 1180734 San Jose Sharks return home after NHL pauses season 1180759 NHL latest to suspend season due to coronavirus 1180735 Coronavirus: Sharks say part-time SAP Center employee 1180760 NBA suspends season, NCAA plans March Madness with tested positive no fans 1180736 Coronavirus: What's next for Sharks with NHL season 1180761 Tom Wilson and his puppy Halle wish everyone good being on hiatus? health amid coronavirus outbreak 1180737 Coronavirus: Sharks head home after NHL pauses season 1180762 NHL follows NBA, MLS and suspends the regular season indefinitely 1180763 What will the NHL season look like if it resumes after the 1180738 Coronavirus: 1919 Stanley Cup Final was canceled due to coronavirus shutdown? flu pandemic 1180764 LeBrun: NHL makes the correct decision to temporarily 1180739 Coronavirus: NHL pauses 2019-20 season indefinitely suspend season amid pandemic 1180740 Sharks announce a part-time SAP Center employee has Websites tested positive for COVID-19 1180778 The Athletic / As the NHL hit pause, junior hockey leagues scrambled to respond to COVID-19 St Louis Blues 1180779 .ca / As NHL announces 'pause' on 2019-20 1180741 Blues play halted as NHL suspends season because of season, next steps remain unclear coronavirus 1180780 Sportsnet.ca / Gary Bettman wanted to get ahead on 1180742 Hochman: As Blues return to scene of Bouwmeester's decision to 'pause' NHL season collapse, reflections from friend and ex-teammate Chris 1180781 Sportsnet.ca / Ken Kings' firm handshake and dedication But were driving force behind Flames 1180782 Sportsnet.ca / NHL players reflect on NBA shutdown as waiting game with season starts 1180743 Lightning, NHL cancel morning skate on Thursday 1180783 TSN.CA / The day the rinks went dark 1180744 ‘It’s scary’: Lightning players grappling with what’s next in 1180784 TSN.CA / Timeline: How COVID-19 impacted the NHL suspended season 1180785 TSN.CA / Trying to make sense of a potential 70-game NHL season 1180786 USA TODAY / NHL suspends regular season games 1180745 NHL cancels morning skates amid speculation that season indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic will be postponed because of coronavirus 1180746 MLSE putting plans in place to assist event staff during stoppages 1180765 Singing from same song sheet on virus 1180747 Shanahan: Maple Leafs are 'in full support' of NHL 1180766 Sports world goes dark decision to hit pause on season 1180767 Jets' playoff push on hold as NHL suspends season 1180748 TRAIKOS: What's next for the NHL? 1180768 Playoff games in July possible: Jets' Chipman 1180749 NHL 'pauses' season after positive coronavirus tests in 1180769 Expert: NHL did the right thing NBA 1180770 NHL hiatus comes at bad time for Jets, but that doesn't 1180750 What happened to Sabres star Tim Connolly? After 7 matter years, he’s ready to explain 1180771 Jets’ Mark Chipman reacts to NHL pausing season, possible financial implications 1180772 From 2 to 88: Jets players reveal why they wear the 1180773 Patrick Johnston: Tick tock — the last 48 hours of the numbers they do Canucks' season 1180774 Ben Kuzma: Silver lining to season suspension is Canucks' charity success SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1180775 Ed Willes: Putting a 'pause' on the world of sports is the right thing to do 1180776 NHL suspends remainder of regular season over coronavirus concerns 1180777 Canucks Game Day: Dialled-in Demko key to taking big bite out of Coyotes in Arizona 1180751 What happens now that the NHL postponed its season? 1180752 Golden Knights will ‘take care of everyone’ during NHL suspension 1180753 Loss of games will have huge impact on Las Vegas, but our health is paramount 1180754 What we know about the NHL’s suspended season 1180755 What will the NHL season look like if it resumes after the coronavirus shutdown? 1180756 LeBrun: NHL makes the correct decision to temporarily suspend season 1180607 Anaheim Ducks aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

Robitaille also said the Kings have not discussed testing players or NHL suspending its season indefinitely over coronavirus pandemic staffers for COVID-19. “We’re kind of on a hold pattern. As of now the An empty Staples Center before the Kings’ game Wednesday night season is on hold. The communication to our players [has been] ‘Hey, to against the Ottawa Senators. a certain degree quarantine yourself, limit your traveling, take care of your families,’” he said. “But it is kind of what it is now, and follow what the guidelines are that we’re being given, whether it’s by the government that it’s been passed on from AEG to our team.” By HELENE ELLIOTTSPORTS COLUMNIST MARCH 12, 202012:12 PM Kelly Cheeseman, chief operating officer of AEG — the parent company

of the Kings — said the refund process is being disseminated to season Spurred by the NBA’s announcement that it had suspended play soon ticket holders, groups and individual ticket holders. “The change from after a player tested positive for the coronavirus, the NHL drastically playing in empty buildings to a pause in the season is completely changed its own course from planning to stage games in empty arenas to different as it relates to that, so we’re still adjusting some of those things indefinitely pausing its own season Thursday. and circumstances,” he said.

The NBA’s move, made late Wednesday, created a sense of urgency Cheeseman declined to say how much money the Kings would lose per when the NHL convened its board of governors via conference call game. “I think it’s fair to say not only for our business but any businesses Thursday. The board voted to follow the lead of the NBA, many of whose that are impacted by this, that it’s a seismic impact,” he said. teams share buildings with NHL teams. “Once a player was diagnosed That impact would undoubtedly be felt by ushers, vendors, ticket-takers with it, I think it kind of moves everything forward a lot quicker,” Kings and other arena employees, as well as employees in restaurants and President Luc Robitaille said in a conference call Thursday with bars near arenas and stadiums. reporters. AEG is poised to make some kind of accommodation for arena The NHL hopes to resume its season, according to a statement from employees, Cheeseman indicated. “I can tell you that conversation is Commissioner Gary Bettman, but it’s unclear whether regular-season happening not only locally but I think across the nation at this ,” he games would be made up or if the playoffs would begin immediately, if said. playoff berths would be based on teams’ positions after Wednesday’s games or through some kind of play-in tournament that would allow Honda Center has postponed all events through March 31. Ducks teams currently close to playoff spots to earn their way in. owners Henry and Susan Samueli — who also manage the arena — have told staff members who were scheduled to work March events that It’s also unclear whether players will be permitted to practice in their they will be paid. respective teams’ facilities, a question Robitaille said he expects to be resolved by the league within 24 hours. He also said that unlike during Ducks coach Dallas Eakins, asked on Wednesday about the likelihood previous work stoppages, when teams were prohibited from speaking to that the season will be halted, gave a perspective that looked beyond players, teams are allowed to communicate with players. hockey. “I have great trust in our leadership. I have great trust in our league and in our health professionals and whatever they’re going to “We think it’s very important that everyone gets as much information as direct us to do, then we’ll do it. It’s very simple,” he said. possible,” he said. “It’s not at all the way it was in the past because this is one thing where we need to take care of each other and we need to “I’m just a big believer right now in everything that’s going on and it’s make sure the health of everyone is the No. 1 priority.” everything to do with not so much the team but our community. Obviously there’s a breakout of the virus and I think we need a massive The NHL’s statement read: “In light of ongoing developments resulting breakout of kindness. I think we need a massive breakout of alertness. I from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and think we need a massive breakout of awareness of what we need to do convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National and to take these things very, very seriously. Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight’s games. “When things like this go on, we talk about teams coming together, this is when communities come together and we’re going to need that kindness, “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts we’re going to need that awareness, so that we can all keep each other and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments safe. Not just ourselves, but the people around us.” without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following [Wednesday] night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for LA Times: LOADED: 03.13.2020 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 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 NHL pauses the 2019-20 season. pic.twitter.com/bCi776ZFqX

— NHL (@NHL) March 12, 2020

The , the primarily development league for NHL teams, also announced it had halted play. So did the three major junior leagues in . Robitaille said the Kings’ scouts had finished most of their work in preparation for the June entry draft and that the organization’s priority is to be sure everyone is safe before formulating plans to restart hockey planning. “We’re all in the unknown,” he said.

The NHL Players’ Assn. called the NHL’s decision “an appropriate course of action at this time.” It added, “The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all 1180608 Anaheim Ducks Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets, had already planned to play in empty arenas over concerns about the virus.

“I have great trust in our leadership,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. “I NHL suspends season temporarily over coronavirus concerns have great trust in our league and our health professionals. Whatever League postponing the final three weeks of the regular season and the they’re going to direct us to do, we’ll do it. It’s very simple. With start of the Stanley Cup playoffs indefinitely everything that’s going on, and it’s nothing to do much with the team, but our community.

“There’s a breakout of a virus going on. We need a massive breakout of By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 8:57 a.m. | kindness, alertness and awareness of what we need to do. We need to UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 3:11 p.m. take these things very seriously. When things like this go on, we’ll talk about teams coming together, this is when communities need to come

together. As expected, the NHL suspended its season temporarily Thursday over “We’re going to need that kindness and awareness so we can all keep concerns about halting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout each other safe.” North America, postponing the final 3-1/2 weeks of the 2019-20 regular season and the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs indefinitely. In addition to expressing support for the NHL’s decision to suspend play, the Ducks and Anaheim Arena Management, which owns and operates The season was scheduled to end April 4 and the playoffs were to begin Honda Center, announced all events at the arena would be postponed four days later. through March 31. “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and “These unprecedented steps are being taken for the betterment and well- after consulting with medical experts and covering a conference call of being of a community we are proud to be part of,” a joint statement from the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing the Ducks and Honda Center read. “The health of everyone associated today that it will pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight’s with all of our events, including fans, staff, and players/performers, has games,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. and will continue to be our number one priority. “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts “The Ducks and AAM (Anaheim Arena Management) will continue to and local authorities, while planning for any possible developments consult with the State of California, local health officials and the NHL as without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following we closely monitor developments regarding COVID-19. Further last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus – information, including details on ticketing procedures, will be released in and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms it the near future. 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 “Most importantly, the Ducks and AAM send best wishes to those play games at this time. impacted by the virus.”

“We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we The Kings said in a statement, with references to the Centers for Disease will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to Control and the World Health Organization: take all reasonable precautions – including self-quarantine, where appropriate. Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and “Due to the recent developments with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the pandemic, the NHL has paused the NHL season and will use this hiatus Stanley Cup. Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope to determine next steps for moving forward. In addition, the State of you stay healthy.” California has determined that all mass gatherings should be postponed or canceled for the immediate future. The L.A. Kings support these The Stanley Cup wasn’t awarded after a labor dispute wiped out the directives and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our fans, entire 2004-05 season, and also in 1918-19 when the Final between the partners, players and staff during this unprecedented time that is and the Metropolitans was halted because of impacting our entire community. As this situation continues to evolve, we a worldwide influenza outbreak that claimed the life of Montreal’s Joe remain committed to delivering timely details as new information is Hall five days later. available and encourage everyone to follow the health and safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC and WHO.” “The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time,” the NHL The league’s decision to halt play had a ripple effect across hockey at players association said in a statement. “The NHLPA will continue to many levels in North America. The junior-level , closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily which oversees the OHL, QMJHL and the WHL, was expected to discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players suspend play after discussions later Thursday. NCAA tournaments have regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to been canceled. the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.” The Under-18 World Championships, the last significant event for NHL The league followed the lead of the NBA, which halted play indefinitely scouts evaluating talent for the league’s annual entry draft June 26-27 in Wednesday after a player tested positive for COVID-19. Major League Montreal, was canceled Thursday. It was to be played April 16-26 in Soccer also announced it would suspend its games for 30 days starting Plymouth and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Thursday. The AHL, the top minor league in North America, also announced it As of Thursday, there was no known case of an infected NHL player. would suspend play. The Reign, the Kings’ affiliate, and the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks’ team, play in the AHL’s Pacific Division. Earlier in the day, NHL teams were told to cancel morning skates, practices and team meetings scheduled for Thursday while the league “With the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans of determined its next steps. The Ducks were scheduled to have a day off primary importance, the American Hockey League has announced the after playing games Tuesday and Wednesday at Honda Center. suspension of play until further notice, effective immediately, due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic,” the league said in a statement. Their next scheduled practice was Friday at Great Park Ice in Irvine. “The AHL will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates Their next games were to be played Saturday against the Kings at on the 2019-20 season at the appropriate time.” Staples Center and Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens at Honda Center, a pair of matinees that were likely to be contested without fans. Newsroom Guidelines News Tips Contact Us Report an Error

The Ontario Reign canceled its scheduled practice Thursday in El Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.13.2020 Segundo, which was to be the first for Kings top draft pick Alex Turcotte, who signed a three-season contract worth $7.245 million on Tuesday, after playing one season at the University of Wisconsin.

Gov. Gavin Newsom late Wednesday called for all events of more than 250 people to be canceled or postponed. Two NHL teams, the San Jose 1180609 Anaheim Ducks The Kings also released a statement similar to that of the Ducks’.

“The L.A. Kings support these directives and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our fans, partners, players and staff during this Scenes from hockey in SoCal the night before COVID-19 paused the unprecedented time that is impacting our entire community,” it said. “As NHL season this situation continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering timely details as new information is available and encourage everyone to follow the health and safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC and By Lisa Dillman and Eric Stephens Mar 12, 2020 WHO.”

On Thursday, the skies opened up in Southern California as rain fell across the region. It seemed fitting for the hockey fans who had already The announced attendance for the Ducks’ home game against Ottawa on begun to view the possibility of no hockey to enjoy as a crying shame. Tuesday night was 15,044. For their game against St. Louis on The Ducks and Kings were scheduled to have another edition of the Wednesday at Honda Center that was a makeup of the postponed Feb. Freeway Faceoff on Saturday afternoon in downtown L.A. 11 contest due to Jay Bouwmeester’s cardiac scare, it was 16,195. Over at Staples Center in Los Angeles, the Kings played host to the Senators Rancho Dominguez resident Tammie Anzevino is a Ducks fan and was before a team-announced crowd of 12,030. at Wednesday’s 4-2 loss to St. Louis. Anzevino also roots for the Angels and is looking forward to attending their scheduled home opener on April All those figures reflect tickets sold, of course. More did turn out 3 against Houston. Now that game appears to be scuttled, with Major Wednesday in Anaheim for the contest against the reigning Stanley Cup League announcing Thursday that the start of the regular champions than 24 hours earlier, but it was readily apparent that season will be delayed by two weeks. thousands fewer were physically at both Southern California venues over those two evenings. “It is a sad day for all of us,” Anzevino said. “We’re all fans. We’re here every day or every game. Forty-four games. We know that we’re going to It is hard to quantify how many ticket holders stayed away from the be here. I’d be sad if I couldn’t come because I was banned because of a games played in the half-empty arenas because of the widespread virus that may or may not hurt me.” concern over the coronavirus. Now there is no need to consider the possibility of hockey fans not being allowed to attend any games in the Kings fan Jennifer Hovespian was not nervous about going to immediate future. Wednesday’s game. She noted that her husband works in a hospital emergency room in Long Beach. More notably, Hovespian is a five-year There won’t be any to attend. cancer survivor. The virus threat did not scare her into staying away. The Following a surreal day in the sports world where postponements and of her team no longer playing hurts. cancellations by leagues and athletic conferences hit like a continuous “The season is almost over,” said Hovespian, a Torrance resident. “But tidal wave, the NHL announced Thursday that it would temporarily it’s sad. For me, personally, I figured, you know what, cancer didn’t kill suspend its 2019-20 season in response to the worldwide COVID-19 me and I’m not going to let this kill me. pandemic threat. There is no timeline on whether it will resume, although the league is holding out hope that it can complete it in some format at a “We can’t live in a bubble. I’ve seen a lot of trauma in my life. It is what it later date. is.”

The decision was expected. Once it was revealed Wednesday night that The Kings finished Wednesday’s action across the NHL with a 3-2 victory Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had tested positive for the coronavirus, over Ottawa. But with the specter of a possible league-wide hiatus the NBA had no choice but to suspend all activities. Thousands who looming, the game felt much different than a battle between two teams were set to watch the Jazz play the Thunder at Oklahoma City’s trying to finish out their seasons on a positive note. Chesapeake Energy Arena had to leave as the game was immediately postponed before tipoff. Gobert’s teammate, Donovan Mitchell, confirmed “At the start, we weren’t really ready to play,” Kings coach Todd McLellan Thursday that he also tested positive. said. “The night felt strange. It didn’t feel like a normal game. Not as many fans in the stands. Obviously, the players heard the news before And the NHL followed suit. It had to. Though there are no NHL teams in about the game. So, it was a little bit unemotional. Utah or Oklahoma City, there are many who share arenas with their NBA brethren. Staples Center, home to the Lakers and Clippers as well as the “There wasn’t any intensity at least on our behalf, I didn’t think, until we Kings, is among them. The prospect of players spreading the virus to got scored on. Then we realized it was time to play after that. It was each other or anyone else added to the sense of alarm after teams, different for us.” conferences and entire leagues across professional and college sports Down in Anaheim, Ducks coach Dallas Eakins opted not to address the announced that games would be played in front of only people and developing situation across sports that was playing out in real time with personnel deemed “essential.” In other words, no fans in the stands. his players. There was no discussion about the possibility that they could Now there are no games, with the NHL announcing it will “pause” the be playing their final game for some period, if not for the season. There season. The NHLPA approved of this measure. was the one in front of them to focus on.

Statements from individual teams also dotted the new, unsettled It was after the game when he could address the unknown. landscape. The Ducks and Anaheim Arena Management, which operates “I just look at it as I have a great trust in our leadership,” Eakins said. “I Honda Center, announced that it fully supported the directive made by have great trust in our league and our health professionals. And California Gov. Gavin Newsom toward canceling gatherings of 250 or whatever they’re going to direct us to do, then we’ll do it. It’s very simple. more people across the state. A similar statement by the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim’s affiliate in the American Hockey League, was issued “I’m just a big believer and right now everything that’s going on and it’s after the AHL also suspended play until further notice. nothing to do with so much the team but our community. Obviously, there’s a breakout of a virus going on and I think we need now a massive “In addition to the announcement by the NHL that the season will be breakout of kindness. I think we need a massive breakout of alertness paused, all other events scheduled to take place at Honda Center and we need a massive breakout of awareness on what we need to do through Mar. 31 have been postponed,” the team wrote. “These and to take these things very, very seriously. unprecedented steps are being taken for the betterment and well-being of a community we are proud to be part of. The health of everyone “We talk about teams coming together. This is when communities need associated with all of our events, including fans, staff, and to come together. We’re going to need that kindness. We’re going to players/performers, has and will continue to be our number one priority. need that awareness so that we can all keep each other safe. Just not ourselves, but the people around us.” “The Ducks and AAM will continue to consult with the State of California, local health officials and the NHL as we closely monitor developments Anaheim defenseman Josh Manson thought it helped that there was a regarding COVID-19. Further information, including details on ticketing game to lock in on and that it was easy to do. But in this age of instant procedures, will be released in the near future. Most importantly, the information, what was going on beyond the Ducks’ locker room was Ducks and AAM send best wishes to those impacted by the virus.” unavoidable. “Yeah, it’s a different situation,” Manson said. “How the mass scale of all As for the league going on hiatus, Hernandez said, “Maybe it’s better for of everything that this kind of virus like it affects. You know, we’re people the league to be proactive and just shut it down. Might be the best too just like everybody else, right? And we got to take the measures to option.” protect ourselves and protect people around us. Not everyone was that supportive of such a response. There was debate “But, yeah, it is a little unthinkable to be playing (in) a big rink (seating) over whether the reaction from sports leagues to the quickly developing 17,000 people here and if there was nobody in it. It may be a weird situation was proper or whether there was overreaction at work. atmosphere.” “I find it ridiculous to be honest,” Anzevino said. “I understand why they’re It was the same feeling in L.A. doing it and the concern. For me, it’s a non-issue. I was going to come regardless. It’s a non-issue for me to be here.” “They were aware of what happened in the basketball game in Oklahoma and the NBA making a decision,” McLellan said. “The guys aren’t dumb.” “Maybe a slight overreaction,” Hernandez said. “I get why they’re doing this, and I get why they want to stay ahead of the game as far as not On Thursday morning, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that NHL spreading it. But the whole overblowing of it, there could be a slight commissioner Gary Bettman discussed putting the season on hold in a overreaction. But I understand why.” conference call with team owners and that there was no opposition. Similar sentiments were shared while the Kings and Senators were When it came to what should happen next, Kings captain Anze Kopitar playing their final games until told otherwise. said “it’s above my pay grade.” But Kopitar did discuss how the COVID- 19 pandemic is affecting his home country of Slovenia. “I absolutely understand it,” said Mike Pino, a Kings fan and Redondo Beach resident. “I think we all have to be a little bit patient and “There’s a few cases,” he said. “I think we’re still below 100. … I’m sure understanding and make sure we’re doing our part.” that’s going to go up in the next few days or weeks or whatever the case may be. Parents are all right, right now, grandparents are doing good. No Huntington Beach resident Nash Gill has been coming to Ducks games concerns there.” since the mid-90s. He recalled going to his first contest with his brother while he was in the second grade when it was still called the Arrowhead Kings rookie Gabriel Vilardi has family in Italy, which is among the Pond. Watching the speed of the sport and the players fiercely competing countries hardest hit by the pandemic. At least 1,000 people have died at the highest level in a live setting was addicting. Attending games is from the virus in Italy. The country has limited movement of its people to part of his life. Television can’t match that. that of urgent medical or professional need. All shops deemed non- essential for commerce are closed, as are schools and venues. But Gill also took an understanding tone.

“They’ve been telling me what’s going on,” said Vilardi, a self-described “On the one side, you say, ‘OK, maybe it is not that severe. Maybe it is “big” soccer fan. “It’s pretty crazy. You see the past couple of weeks, the an overreaction,’” he said. “But I understand the flip side of that if you just empty stadiums in . get so much worse and everybody has it. I don’t know if I can really make that justification, I’m kind of going to go along with what the leagues “Everything is good. My family is more in the south, so it hasn’t been as allow. As long as we can come, we’re coming.” bad down there. But, still, people are taking extra precautions. Nobody is really walking the streets or anything. It’s kind of weird — that’s what they What everyone could agree on was that this is an unprecedented time in tell me.” sports. It affects many — players, coaches, executives, fans, owners. Perhaps most of all, it affects those who work at the arenas — the men It is patently apparent that the concern goes well beyond the sporting and women that work in security and concessions — and use the events world. Events that usually have a gathering of people in the hundreds or as a second income or even a primary one to support their cost of living. thousands are being canceled. Travel between countries is being restricted, if not shuttled altogether for the present time. The concern is For example, a Honda Center employee typically earns $15 an hour and extending into daily life. can work five to six hours for a given event. Multiply that with at least 44 NHL games (including the preseason). Now add in various concerts or “You’re just trying to be as cautious as you possibly can,” Kopitar said. other events. It could be 80 or more arena dates in a given calendar “That’s all you can really do. You can stay out of the big crowded places year. The prospect of an empty venue for weeks or months can be a as much as you can. I don’t think it’s the best idea to go to the movies or significant pinch to someone who needs the income to get by. Nearby the concerts right now — they’re all get cancelled now anyway. You restaurants can also be hit hard by a significant drop in traffic. know where I’m going with this. All hope is that this doesn’t become a new normal. “You’re just trying to prevent yourself from being exposed to that stuff and do the best you can.” “We’ve gone from kind of being a joke to now it’s getting real serious,” said Irvine resident Greg Bosbonis, who was wearing a Teemu Selanne- But the threat of exposure didn’t stop fans from doing the thing they’ve themed “8” hat and worked at the arena over its first 10 years. “Where a come to relish across the seasons. The hockey community can be a tight week ago, players couldn’t shake hands. Geno Auriemma made a one. comment that players are leaning on each other all game and sweating, Stanton resident Sheri Hayes has season tickets to the Ducks and but they can’t shake hands. His assistant coach’s son wrestles. They can Angels. Attending games is a fulfilling part of her retirement. wrestle, but they couldn’t shake hands.

“It’s my way of getting out and seeing people,” Hayes said. “It is sad. “It’s always one of those things you always hear when something Very sad. I like to see friends.” happens. Oh, I never thought it would happen to me or someone who I knew. Whether you have it or not, now everybody’s getting affected by it. Hayes added that she doesn’t see how the NHL can resume its season if It’s kind of getting scary and weird.” there is a long break. “Players aren’t going to be able to get back up to speed at some point, so that’s not going to really quite work,” she said. Eric Stephens reported from Anaheim, Lisa Dillman reported from Los Angeles. As the third period was about to begin Wednesday at Honda Center, Jason Hernandez found it surprising that the Ducks’ rescheduled game The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 against St. Louis went on after what had occurred with the NBA game in Oklahoma City.

“Once they found out that Rudy Gobert had tested positive, they canceled the game immediately afterward with no warning really,” said Hernandez, a Chino Hills resident. “And then to see the players leaving the court and the fans confused. I’m surprised the game’s going on. But I can see the NHL taking precedence and saying, ‘You know what? No fans.’ That’s what I can see possibly happening.” 1180610 Arizona Coyotes Still, the suspension of the NHL season is a measure no one could have predicted even just days ago.

“This is an unprecedented situation and an unprecedented time,” Cohen NHL joins NBA, others in suspending season due to coronavirus said. concerns The groundbreaking announcement comes almost exactly 101 years after the NHL cancelled a winner-take-all game that would have awarded Richard Morin, Arizona Republic Published 10:39 a.m. MT March 12, the Stanley Cup to either the Montreal Canadiens or the Seattle 2020 | Updated 4:25 p.m. MT March 12, 2020 Metropolitans due to an outbreak of spanish influenza in April 1919. Several Canadiens players were hospitalized in Seattle, and Canadiens defenseman Joe Hall died four days later. The Cup was not awarded that year. In his session with reporters after Wednesday’s practice at Gila River Arena, Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet acknowledged the possibility Arizona Republic LOADED: 03.13.2020 that tomorrow was in no way guaranteed.

“There’s possibilities everywhere,” Tocchet said before the sports world got turned upside down later that night. “Each day we come in, there’s a chance there might not be a game or it might be at a neutral site. I’ve heard so much. You just take the direction from the league and the organization.”

Turns out, Tocchet was right.

Like many other sports leagues and governing bodies, the NHL suspended its season on Thursday until further notice due to coronavirus concerns. That, of course, includes the Coyotes, who were scheduled to host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday in Glendale.

“The Arizona Coyotes will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice,” a statement released by the team on Thursday read. “And we will encourage our players and other members of the community to take all reasonable precautions — including by self-quarantine, where appropriate. The NHL’s goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season.”

In a conference call with reporters on Thursday, Coyotes President of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Chayka said that no one in the organization had tested positive for coronavirus. Chayka also said that traveling employees such as scouts have been asked to come off the road.

One factor of many for the NHL pausing the season was the fact that 11 teams share facilities with their counterparts in the NBA, who have had two players already test presumptive positive for COVID-19.

The @NHL pauses 2019-20 season. https://t.co/WMePei4clHpic.twitter.com/W5Hqmk3kX7

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2020

“Moving forward, in terms of when do we start back up again, all these other questions, I think time will ultimately tell,” Coyotes President and CEO Ahron Cohen said on the same conference call. “Right now, I think two things I know. One, there’s a pause; two, it’s our expectation that we will continue at some point. That’s why (the NHL) said pause, not cancellation. But obviously all of these things are fluid and malleable. And we’ll take this day-by-day and see where things go from here.”

Still, roughly 15 percent of the regular season still remains on the schedule, so what are the league’s options if/when they return from hiatus? And how might that affect the Coyotes, who sit just four points out of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race?

As of this writing, the NHL has not determined its next steps and will use the hiatus to formulate a plan. Still, it’s impossible not to wonder how a late-season suspension will impact the rest of the 2019-20 campaign.

Depending on if/when the suspension is lifted, there is a possibility the NHL could jump right to the playoffs and forego the rest of the regular season, basing playoff matchups on the current standings. That would leave several teams, including the Coyotes, on the outside of the playoff picture without being allowed to complete an 82-game season.

There are also international tournaments, scouting and the NHL draft at stake. The Under-18 world championships, scheduled to be played in April in Michigan, have also been cancelled, just one of many recent cancellations that have thrown the usual pre-draft scouting process into disarray.

The Coyotes were set to open a five-game homestand beginning with Thursday’s game against the Canucks. Since it remains unclear whether those games will be played, Cohen said information for ticket holders will be forthcoming. 1180611 Arizona Coyotes The CUSA has canceled its conference tournament.

WAC (9 a.m.)

A timeline of how coronavirus has impacted sports around the country The WAC has canceled its conference tournament.

SEC (9:06 a.m.)

BY TYLER DRAKE | MARCH 12, 2020 AT 7:35 PM UPDATED: MARCH The SEC has canceled its conference tournament 12, 2020 AT 7:47 PM ACC (9:15 a.m.)

The ACC has canceled its conference tournament. More and more sports leagues around the country are being canceled, suspended or adjusted in some way due to the coronavirus spread. -12 (9:17 a.m.)

With more information on cancellations of events and suspensions of The Pac-12 has canceled its conference tournament. Three games were seasons coming in, here’s a look at everything that’s transpired and all played at the Pac-12 Tournament Wednesday before the quarterfinals things impacted by the virus this week: began Thursday. The Arizona Wildcats, California and Washington State all advanced to the next round. This article will be continually updated as new restrictions become known. USL (9:27 a.m.)

March 10 The USL has suspended play for a minimum of 30 days.

Ivy League (8:21 a.m.) Big 12 (9:40 a.m.)

Tuesday morning, the Ivy League decided to cancel its basketball The Big 12 has canceled its conference tournament. tournaments. The Ivy League took things a step further Wednesday, A-10 (9:50 a.m.) announcing the decision to cancel all athletic events through the remainder of the spring. The A-10 has canceled its conference tournament.

March 11 Big East (9:58 a.m.)

XFL (11:36 a.m.) The Big East has canceled its conference tournament. Play between St. John’s and Creighton was stopped midgame Thursday. The XFL announced Wednesday its scheduled game between the Seattle Dragons and L.A. Wildcats on Sunday will be played without fans NASCAR (10:33 a.m.) in the venue. NASCAR announced that it will hold its races at Atlanta Motor Speedway NCAA (1:31 p.m.) and Homestead-Miami Speedway without fans in attendance.

The NCAA announced on Wednesday that the men’s and women’s NHL (10:35 a.m.) basketball tournaments would continue but without fans as authorities The NHL has officially paused the season. Clubs were originally advised work to prevent the spread of coronavirus. by the league to avoid conducting morning skates, practices and team NBA (6:46 p.m.) meetings Thursday morning before the suspension.

The National Basketball Association and NBA G League decided to MLB (12:10 p.m.) suspend gameplay after the conclusion of Wednesday night’s games is suspending in Arizona and until further notice, the leagues announced in a press release. Florida and will delay the start of the regular season by at least two The NBA will use the “hiatus” in order to determine the following actions weeks as fears of coronavirus are heightened, the league announced for advancing the remainder of the NBA season in regard to the COVID- Thursday. 19 (coronavirus) outbreak. “MLB will continue to evaluate ongoing events leading up to the start of The announcement comes after the league also announced that Utah the season. Guidance related to daily operations and workouts will be Jazz center Rudy Gobert had preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19 relayed to clubs in the coming days,” The MLB press release read. “As of prior to tip-off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma. Since 4:00 p.m. (ET) today, forthcoming spring training games have been then, teammate Donovan Mitchell has also tested positive. canceled, and 2020 World Baseball Classic Qualifier games in Tucson, Arizona have been postponed indefinitely.” March 12 MiLB (12:51 p.m.) Tennis (7:32 a.m.) The MiLB announced Thursday the decision to delay the start of the ATP has suspended play for six weeks. 2020 Championship Season. No date has been set.

MLS (8:42 a.m.) NCAA (1:16 p.m.)

MLS has suspended all play for 30 days. After originally planing to continue with March Madness at a limited AAC (8:45 a.m.) capacity, the NCAA announced Thursday the decision to cancel both men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, among other spring and The AAC has canceled its conference tournament. The tournament was winter championship events. scheduled from March 12-15. IFL (2:13 p.m.) Big 10 (8:49 a.m.) The IFL is suspending play following Saturday night’s games in Oakland The Big 10 has canceled its conference tournament. and San Diego, the league announced Thursday.

PGA Tour (8:58 a.m.) LPGA (2:23 p.m.)

All PGA Tour events will proceed as scheduled, but without spectators The LPGA event scheduled for next week at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, through the Valero Texas Open. In addition, the Corales Puntacana along with two others, have been postponed due to the spread of Resort & Club Championship will be postponed. The Players coronavirus, the LPGA announced Thursday. Championship at TPC Sawgrass allowed fans for the First Round of play, but will be restricting spectators for the final three rounds. XFL (4:16 p.m.)

CUSA (9 a.m.) The XFL canceled its 2020 season and plan to resume play in 2021. PGA (6:59 p.m.)

The PGA announced they are canceling The Players Championship and all events through the Valero Texas Open.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180612 Arizona Coyotes For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe National Hockey League suspends season amid coronavirus concerns illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the virus.

The Associated Press contributed to this story. BY ARIZONA SPORTS | MARCH 12, 2020 AT 10:36 AM UPDATED: MARCH 12, 2020 AT 2:20 PM Arizona Sports LOADED: 03.13.2020

The National Hockey League has paused its season due to the growing concern of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the league announced on Thursday.

This will affect the remainder of the Coyotes’ regular season, which included 12 total games, eight of them at home. Arizona was scheduled to play Thursday night at home against the Vancouver Canucks.

“Moving forward, in terms of when do we start back up again, all these other questions, I think time will ultimately tell,” team CEO Ahron Cohen said. “Right now, I think two things I know: One, there’s a pause, two, it’s our expectation that we will continue at some point. That’s why they said pause, not cancellation. But obviously all of these things are fluid and malleable. And we’ll take this day-by-day and see where things go from here.”

General manager John Chayka said that, to date, the team hasn’t had anyone test positive for coronavirus.

The NHL released a statement earlier Thursday to announce the “pause” in the regular season.

“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,” a statement from the league said.

“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.”

The statement added that the “goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and aware the Stanley Cup.”

“The Arizona Coyotes will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we will encourage our players and other members of the community to take all reasonable precautions – including by self- quarantine, where appropriate,” the Coyotes said in a team statement. “The NHL’s goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season.”

On Thursday morning, before the suspension, the NHL advised teams to cancel morning skates, practices and meetings, and a team spokesperson said the Coyotes cancelled their optional morning skate and media availability in accordance with that advisory.

The news comes after the NBA suspended its season indefinitely on Wednesday night in the wake of Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert reportedly testing positive for coronavirus. On Thursday morning, another report said Gobert’s teammate, Donovan Mitchell, also tested positive for the virus.

It wasn’t immediately clear how or when the NHL would resume play.

Even before the NHL announced the pausing of its season, multiple reports indicated that some NHL personnel working road games had been told to book flights back home, indicating that a suspension was on the way.

Before the pause, the Coyotes on Wednesday issued a statement outlining plans to enhance fan safety at Thursday’s home game. Other teams had banned the general public from attending the games altogether.

The cancellation of games would obviously impact league revenue significantly. That could potentially even have an effect on the NHL’s salary cap figures for next season, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggested on Wednesday morning. He added that the league held a conference call with teams on Tuesday, and that “the concern [was] real.” 1180613 Arizona Coyotes have been able to have a positive impact. I got a taste of the AHL by going down to Tucson and I’ve gotten a taste of the NHL this season. This is where I feel I belong.”

What’s in store for Barrett Hayton, Jan Jenik, Victor Söderström next Sullivan agreed. season? “Listen, he’s a 19-year-old player who is still trying to find his way,” Sullivan said. “We don’t want to make him feel like he is the answer to By Craig Morgan Mar 12, 2020 everything, but from the time he came back to even now, you still see the growth, game by game, shift by shift. He’s a very intelligent hockey player and takes in information very quickly. If he plays one battle and doesn’t have success, he might go into the next battle differently. When the 2019-20 season began, Coyotes assistant general manager Steve Sullivan lamented the team’s inability to assign center Barrett “When you play a certain way your whole life and all of the sudden you Hayton to its American Hockey League affiliate in Tucson due to the come up and you’re playing against men, you might not win the battles CHL-NHL agreement that prohibits players under 20 and drafted out of you did. In juniors, you might be a stick length away from a guy and put a the Canadian junior leagues from competing in the AHL unless they are stick on him and you’re OK, whereas here, you hook the guy, you get in on conditioning stints. on his hands because the player is going a little faster and you get a . It’s small things like that he’s learning. The game is fast, the Sullivan, who oversees the Coyotes’ development program, felt Hayton boys are big, the boys are heavy. He is going into all of his battles with was the classic example of a player too good to gain anything further good body position but now they’re starting to push him off the puck. He from the CHL, but a little too young to assume a regular NHL role. is starting to understand that how he won and how he was successful in “One-thousand percent,” Sullivan said. “We’ve gone through it with a few junior isn’t going to be the way he’s successful here.” players here in the last few years. Max Domi and Dylan Strome were Hayton played on the wing for stretches earlier this season, but Sullivan exactly in his situation where they could play some games and probably believes that Hayton has shown enough to remain at center from here on develop up here, but maybe not to the point that Barrett could so we had out. to send them back to junior.” “If you look at his games at the beginning of the year and then the games Hayton will turn 20 on June 9, making him AHL eligible next season. since he came back from World Juniors, we’ve seen more puck touches, Despite that fact and the additional fact that he does not have a point in more plays being made, more of a contribution through the middle of the six games since returning to the lineup after rehabbing an injured ice and I think that’s where he’s most comfortable,” Sullivan said. “He’s a shoulder, the AHL is no longer in the Coyotes’ plans for Hayton. centerman all day long. Now, it’s hard to be a 19-year-old centerman in “Absolutely not, unless he comes back here next season and is not the NHL. It is a more difficult position but I still think that puts him in the having success and is not able to take a step,” Sullivan said Monday in best position to succeed.” Winnipeg. “He’s had some great games, some great shifts, some ups And, about Jenik, Söderström and downs. You expect that from a 19-year-old. You can look at guys like Joe Thornton and a couple other guys that in their first year had five, 10, Sullivan also provided updates on two other top prospects. Forward Jan 15 points and then they start to blow it up and put up huge numbers. We Jenik who suffered a knee injury at the World Junior Championship, is understand that this is a process and this was the best option for him of still rehabbing in Arizona. Jenik, the team’s 2018 third-round pick (No. what was available to us. We think it has been successful so far.” 65) won’t begin skating until this summer, but the Coyotes are confident he will have enough time to train and be ready for camp in the fall. The Coyotes had a plan for Hayton when the season began, but as Sullivan said Jenik will “definitely” play in Tucson next season. general manager John Chayka recently noted, plans don’t always go according to script. The team was playing well early in the season so it The Coyotes plan to sit down with defenseman Victor Söderström, the was hard for Hayton to crack the lineup. When they loaned him to Coyotes’ 2019 first-round pick (No. 11), after the Swedish league season Canada for the World Junior Championship, he gained valuable ends to plan a course of action for the rest of this season and beyond. experience while leading Canada to the gold medal, but the shoulder Brynäs, Söderström’s team, did not make the SHL playoffs but avoided injury prevented him from joining the club immediately and then, when he relegation. Brynäs will play its final game of the season against HC finally was ready, the team was embroiled in a playoff race. Orebro on Thursday. The spread of the coronavirus may impact Arizona’s plans for its top pick. As for next season, Sullivan offered some “These or do-or-die games and you’re asking a 19-year-old kid to do thoughts. stuff,” coach Rick Tocchet said Wednesday. “There’s no panic around here. He’s a good player. There’s some stuff defensively he’s got to work “He’s going to be in North America. It’s up to him where he is once he’s on for sure, but he’s been fine.” here,” Sullivan said. “You never say never with the NHL, but there might be some time in Tucson. He’ll decide how long.” After struggling in a 3-2 loss in Calgary, Hayton was a healthy scratch in the Coyotes’ 4-2 loss in Winnipeg, and it appears he will be out of the The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 lineup again when the Coyotes face the Vancouver Canucks at Gila River Arena on Thursday in what feels like a playoff elimination game for Arizona. Even so, Hayton still feels there is enormous benefit in being with the team during a playoff chase.

“Getting in a couple games in a row, I felt pretty good being able to have that little stint and being able to get back into game shape and get my legs going,” he said Wednesday. “It always is a learning curve in the NHL. At the start of the season, coming from juniors, it was a big difference. Now, It’s playoff hockey at this point. Every game is so crucial and it shows in the pace of the games.

“I think you notice it all over the ice. Players track ice so well here and there’s not a lot of space out there. I wouldn’t say it’s just in battles or chasing the puck or defensive coverage. It’s all over. Every aspect of the game ramps up and with time and space, everything happens so quick. You’ve just try to be one or two steps ahead mentally.”

Hayton admits he does not like looking at the scoresheet night after night and seeing zeroes in the points column, but he is putting it in perspective.

“You always want to produce. That being said, I am more focused overall on my impact and being a positive player,” he said. “I’ve taken this as a learning experience. I think I have played a couple of good games and 1180614 Boston Bruins

Here’s what the Bruins said about the NHL suspending the season

By Matt Pepin Globe Staff,Updated March 12, 2020, 6:49 p.m.

The Bruins sent statements from a selection of team personnel Thursday following the NHL’s decision to suspend the season in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Here they are, as sent by the team’s media relations staff.

Team president : “While we are disappointed to have the season put on pause, we respect and support the decision of the NHL. The health of our fans, players, staff and all of our associates is paramount, and we are hopeful that we can continue the season when it is safe to resume. We will provide Bruins updates when available, and on behalf of the organization we would like to wish good health to all.”

General manager : “I think we all believe that the health and well-being of every individual person has to be the priority when decisions like this are made. We want to support the efforts of the entire Health sector as they dedicate their lives to care for those in need. Hopefully we are able to resume playing at some point and the pursuit of the Stanley Cup is realized and becomes a small part of the story. Right now, the world’s focus must remain on people staying healthy and recovering from these challenging times.”

Coach : “It is disappointing, but it’s the prudent thing to do in these uncertain times. The health of every individual all over the globe is the number one priority and more important than hockey. Hopefully the situation improves to a point where we can resume hockey and compete for the Stanley Cup but until then please remain safe and healthy.”

Team captain Zdeno Chara: “Today’s news is difficult to process for our team, our staff, our city and our fans everywhere. As players, we love being able to compete and feed off the passion of our fans, but we understand that this challenge facing our world is much bigger than sports. We fully respect the NHL’s decision today and wish everyone good health until we can once again come together to celebrate the game we love.”

Center : “While it’s disappointing the season has been paused, it’s become apparent that the situation is much larger than sports. In a time like this it is important we continue to listen to experts whose job it is to maintain the safety and well-being of the population until the issue stabilizes. That said, we hope the situation improves soon and we can resume our pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Finally, I’d like to wish everyone in the New England community, and people across the globe, safety and good health.”

Boston Globe LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180615 Boston Bruins In such a drastic scenario, league officials then could opt not to designate a 2020 champion, or determine one based on current regular-season records.

NHL was left with no choice but to suspend the regular season The Bruins on Thursday morning ranked No. 1 in the NHL’s overall standings with a record of 44-14-12. They became the first team in the league to collect 100 points this season with their 2-0 win Tuesday night By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff,Updated March 12, 2020, 4:55 p.m. in Philadelphia. The Black and Gold last won the Stanley Cup, their sixth in team history, in 2011.

The Bruins gathered at their Brighton practice facility briefly on Thursday, The Bruins called off their 11 a.m practice Thursday at Warrior Ice Arena, ahead of a scheduled late-morning workout, but never took the ice once shortly before the NHL suspended the regular season. apprised of an initial league mandate for teams not to conduct practices. Common sense and logic, elements of hockey sometimes lacking on the The practice never happened. The afternoon charter flight to Buffalo, ice or the final scoresheet, prevailed Thursday when the National Hockey where the Bruins were to play Friday night, was scrubbed. Players were League suspended its season in light of the ongoing coronavirus soon spotted wheeling their vehicles out of the garage. Return date pandemic. unknown. Realistically, the league was left with no choice, following the NBA’s What's next for Zdeno Chara and the Bruins? No one can say for sure. abrupt decision Wednesday night to halt its season amid the spread of the virus. In the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks hold the top spot at 53-12. The Bucks, led by center Lew Alcindor, won their only NBA title in 1971, and lost to It was a positive test in the NBA, confirming Wednesday that Utah Jazz the Celtics in the final three years later, the only other time they’ve center Rudy Gobert had contracted the virus, that the NHL cited among reached the championship series. the key factors it weighed before placing what it termed a “pause” on its season early in the afternoon. The Stanley Cup, a trophy first awarded to amateur teams in 1893, only twice has not been given out over the last 126 years. The two leagues, fierce competitors for television ratings, attendance, and disposable consumer dollars, ultimately found themselves partnered In 1919, nearly a decade before the Cup became exclusively an NHL in a fight against biology, germs, and growing, if not runaway, public trophy, an outbreak of the deadly Spanish flu caused the championship anxiety. final between the Montreal Canadiens (NHL) and the Seattle Metropolitans (Pacific Coast Hockey Association) to be scrapped after "Given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms, and it five games. Each club won two games and one ended in a 0-0 deadlock. now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point,” a league statement stated, “it is no longer The clinching Game 6 of the 1919 series was just hours from being appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time.” played on April 1 when the series was called off, in large part because too many of the players, some hospitalized, were too sick with the flu. Some US cities with teams in the respective leagues, including San Jose One of them, Joe Hall, a 37-year-old Canadiens defenseman, died four and Columbus in the NHL, began imposing severe restrictions on crowd days later. The Cup remained in the hands of the Toronto Arenas, size earlier in the week, forcing teams to face the prospect of staging winners in the 1918 Cup Final vs. the Vancouver Millionaires. “ghost” games, with cavernous arenas rendered empty of spectators. The Stanley Cup also was not awarded in the spring of 2005, the What is the sound of not even one hand clapping? Both leagues were on consequence of the NHL’s 2004-05 season being called off after the the verge of learning the answer, amid the even harsher prospect of league and its players could not agree on a collectively bargained having to dole out refunds of potentially millions of dollars in ticket contract. It was that infamous lockout and subsequent scrapped season revenue. that led to a new CBA, one based on a salary cap, being implemented for Both leagues have long been known for their loyal, even rabid fan the start of the 2005-06 season. following, but even the most faithful want their money back when they’re Other than those two incidents, the Stanley Cup has been awarded every turned away at the turnstiles — no matter if they’re told to stay away for year across three centuries, spanning such deadly conflicts as the their own health and wellness. Spanish-American War, two World Wars, and wars in Korea, Vietnam, Just days ago, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James openly and elsewhere. scoffed at the idea of playing in an empty building, saying he had no wish The annual awarding of the NBA championship, first won by the to be part of such a crazy idea. Philadelphia Warriors in 1947, and most recently by the Toronto Raptors, “I ain’t playing,” he said. never has been interrupted. It has changed names. Originally named the Walter Brown Trophy, after the Hopkinton-born founder of the Celtics, in In a world grappling to get its head and best health practices around a 1984 it became the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy. sometimes deadly virus, King James was granted his wish: games over, at least for now. In the end, both the NBA and NHL could be forced to refund ticket money, depending on whether any regular-season games are salvaged. ‘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.’ The Bruins have 12 games remaining on their 82-game schedule, six of those on Causeway Street. The first to be placed in abeyance will be Statement from the NHL Saturday’s visit by the Maple Leafs.

What happens to each league’s respective seasons from here remains in The Celtics, co-tenants at the Garden, have 18 games now listed as question, both the NBA and NHL essentially left to sit like anxious PPD, nine of them slated for Boston. patients in a hospital waiting room. For now, all is on hold. The rubber, be it inflated or vulcanized, has taken Significantly, neither of the leagues stamped “canceled” across what’s an unfortunate bounce. left of their regular seasons or, if they ultimately get there, the playoffs. By couching the terminology, they bought some time in hopes that LOADED: 03.13.2020 virus gets shooed away relatively quickly and they’re able to reassemble an acceptable, practical business model currently left shattered.

“Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent,” the NHL stated, “so that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup.”

If the virus lingers, public health remains in jeopardy, and the death toll soars, both leagues could be forced to render their seasons kaput. 1180616 Boston Bruins “I think everyone is in shock,” said Keator, an agent for 24 years, in a telephone conversation. “The entire industry is shutting down … It’s a surreal day.”

NHL suspends play beginning Thursday amid coronavirus pandemic Keator compared this week’s uncertainty to that of the canceled 2004-05 season, the only other time since 1918-19 (when the Spanish Flu epidemic cut short the Final) the Stanley Cup was not awarded. He said By Matt Porter Globe Staff,Updated March 12, 2020, 1:47 p.m. his players would try to stay in shape, anticipating a restart in 2-4 weeks. Keator was hopeful the Cup would be awarded before Aug. 1, since the

NHL reportedly told its teams to assess arena availability for July. It was just after 10:40 a.m. Thursday, and Bruins defenseman Torey Before the rush of playoff hockey, the world must contain a highly Krug was not lacing his skates and hitting the ice with his teammates. He contagious disease. Quite a thing. was in his street clothes outside the building, chatting with an acquaintance about the unknown. “Today’s news is difficult to process for our team, our staff, our city, and our fans everywhere,” said Chara, who turns 43 next week and is in his “See you in a few weeks,” Krug said, as they parted ways. 22nd season. “As players, we love being able to compete and feed off Krug’s words carried a note of cautious optimism, but it was unclear then, the passion of our fans, but we understand that this challenge facing our and remained so Thursday evening, when he would skate again. world is much bigger than sports. We fully respect the NHL’s decision today and wish everyone good health until we can once again come After 1 p.m. Thursday, the NHL followed the NBA and other sports together to celebrate the game we love.” leagues in pausing its season because of the coronavirus pandemic. It left 189 games, beginning with 10 on Thursday, and the final 24 days of During previous labor strife — the 2004-05 lockout, the half-seasons of the NHL season as “TBD.” 1994-95 and 2012-13 — many players skated in European or minor leagues. Given the near-universal postponement of hockey worldwide, The Bruins, leading the league in points (100) and in the hunt for their that is an impossibility. first Stanley Cup championship since 2011, and their peers were sent home with hopes to return, but no promises. The AHL’s , who have surged to the top of the Eastern Conference with a 12-game winning streak, also saw their season put on ‘The health of our fans, players, staff, and all of our associates is hold. That league acted in lockstep with the NHL — and rest of the sports paramount, and we are hopeful that we can continue the season when it world, given the current climate. is safe to resume. We will provide Bruins updates when available, and on behalf of the organization we would like to wish good health to all.’ Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said Thursday was “disappointing, but it’s the prudent thing to do in these uncertain times … Hopefully the situation Bruins president Cam Neely improves to a point where we can resume hockey and compete for the Stanley Cup, but until then please remain safe and healthy.” In a statement, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league had been trying to “follow the mandates of health experts and local If the regular season is rendered complete, and the NHL reopens in authorities, while preparing for any possible developments without taking playoff mode, a few teams could be disappointed. premature or unnecessary measures. However, following [Wednesday night’s] news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus — When the NHL paused, its teams had played an uneven number of and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and games (between 68 and 71). Seeding the playoffs based on point total it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test wouldn’t be fair. Creating matchups by points percentage, the Bruins (44- positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to 14-12) would finish first overall (.714) and have home ice throughout the play games at this time.” playoffs. In the first round they would face the Islanders, who sat out of the postseason with 80 points, but would knock the Blue Jackets (81 NBA players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, both of the Utah Jazz, points) from the second wild card based on points percentage. The tested positive for Covid-19, the virus that, as of Thursday evening, had Panthers and Rangers, both in the hunt, wouldn’t get the last few weeks been detected in more than 125,000 people worldwide and killed more of the season to make a push. than 4,600. In the there were 987 known cases, with 29 deaths. The rest of the Eastern Conference series — Tampa Bay-Toronto, Washington-Carolina, and Philadelphia-Pittsburgh — would be Since March 4, the Jazz played at New York’s Madison Square Garden, entertaining. The West would be plenty spicy, too, with St. Louis-Calgary, TD Garden in Boston, and Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, all of which Colorado-Dallas, Vegas-Nashville, and Edmonton-Vancouver. share back-of-the-house space with NHL teams. There has not been a Unfortunately for Winnipeg (in playoff position by 2 points as of “Patient Zero” in the NHL, but the league advised its teams to not hold Thursday) and Minnesota (a point out), those teams would miss the cut. practices or meetings indefinitely. If the NHL were to award trophies, David Pastrnak would be co-winner of Bruins communications director Brandon McNelis did not respond to the Rocket Richard Trophy as top goal scorer (48; tied with Alex Globe questions asking if any Bruins players or staff had been tested for Ovechkin). Pastrnak (48-47—95) would place fourth in league scoring, Covid-19, or quarantined. and be a candidate for the Hart Trophy (MVP). Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak would win the Jennings Trophy as the goalies with the Team president Cam Neely said in a series of statements released by lowest team goals-against average (2.39). Rask, with a 26-8-6 record, the club that it was “disappointed to have the season put on pause,” but 2.12 GAA, .929 save percentage, and five shutouts in 41 starts, would be respected and supported the NHL’s decision, which was also backed by a leading candidate for the Vezina Trophy. the NHL Players Association. Those debates will be a welcome change from Thursday’s reality. “The health of our fans, players, staff, and all of our associates is paramount, and we are hopeful that we can continue the season when it “The situation," Bruins alternate captain Patrice Bergeron said, “is much is safe to resume,” Neely said. “We will provide Bruins updates when larger than sports.” available, and on behalf of the organization we would like to wish good health to all.” Boston Globe LOADED: 03.13.2020

What's next for Bruce Cassidy and the Bruins?

It’s also unclear if Warrior Ice Arena was closed to players for training during the layoff, or where players would train.

Longtime player agent Matt Keator, of Wellesley, was fielding a stream of calls and texts from his clients, which include Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, about the next steps. He was searching for answers. 1180617 Boston Bruins the extra burden the spread of the coronavirus will put on our already- stressed-out healthcare system.

Senior citizens and all citizens with compromised immune systems are at Coronavirus: Why sports have no choice but to hit pause button greater risk if they contract the coronavirus, so they obviously are where ESPN’s Jay Bilas gets to heart of it our attention should turn, but nobody should feel guilty that on a much smaller scale, they too will be hurt by the global pandemic by having sports temporarily taken from their lives.

By TOM KEEGAN | Boston Herald PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 8:20 It’s OK to miss the blossoming of Jayson Tatum into a bona fide NBA p.m. | UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 8:20 p.m. star. It’s all right to miss Tuukka Rask’s contention for the Vezina Trophy and David Pastrnak’s fading but still in-play hunt for the Maurice Richard

Trophy. You don’t have to be a big fan of college basketball to bemoan a As ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas put it, shutting down sports March without madness. It’s natural. comes with being "responsible global citizen." That seamless transition from March Madness to the opening of the On one of those rare days on the calendar where no sporting contests baseball season won’t happen because the tourney takes a one-year were listed, the phone at the dive bar I frequented in college rang. The hiatus and Opening Day is delayed. bartender who doubled as bookmaker answered it and had a distraught These will be weird times, going a longer stretch without sports than customer on the other end of the line. when the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, left everyone staring at every “No games were listed in the paper,” he groused. “What can I get some airplane crawling so seemingly slowly across the sky, fearing where it action on?” could be heading. MLB shut down for a week that felt more like a month then, and when it resumed baseball played a big role in America’s spirits “Sorry, no games today,” the multitasker answered. picking up.

“You mean to tell me I can’t get action on anything?” the caller begged. Sports again will play an important part when they resume. For now, the role they play is an unfamiliar passive one, doing what can be done to Thinking quickly while filling a glass for a customer with different needs, slow the spread of a disease that has been deemed by the World Health he gave the caller an offer he couldn’t refuse: “Family Feud starts in 10 Organization a global pandemic. minutes.” Boston Herald LOADED: 03.13.2020 “Put me down for $110 on the first family introduced,” the relieved caller said.

Obviously, that desperate caller had a gambling problem, but you don’t have to be addicted to gambling to be addicted to watching sports. For the foreseeable future, watching the wisely constructed, exciting, well- coached Celtics and Bruins on TV won’t be an option.

Early Thursday afternoon St. John’s and Creighton tipped off, played a half at Madison Square Garden without fans in the stands, before the Big East tournament, the last holdout among major conferences, was canceled. Hours later, the NCAA canceled the men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments and all of its championships in spring sports.

Not surprisingly, throughout the day, ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas, long a champion of the student-athlete, was quick with informative, reasonable analysis on the impact of the coronavirus on the sport.

“This is about slowing the spread of this, and about flattening the curve of this, and the NCAA has no other choice but to be a responsible global citizen here, no other choice,” Bilas told viewers.

Who among us didn’t have a gut reaction that asked the same question: Why cancel, why not postpone? The response from Bilas, an attorney and former Duke player and assistant coach, opened a window that few of us would have considered. The response also underscored the need for more transparency from the NCAA.

“What I don’t know is what the contracts say with regard to the NCAA tournament, the contracts with the media-rights partners, the contracts with all the other partners, and the contracts with the insurance carriers and underwriters,” Bilas said. “What do those say? Because it may be that the NCAA is able to recoup losses by canceling rather than by postponing. That may be at play here. I just don’t know the answer to that. I’m not privy. I have not been allowed to read those contracts. I would like to.”

That makes sense. Sure, it would have been a bad look to have schools that have shifted to all-online classes having athletes playing in games. Yes, it would have been a logistical nightmare to try to line up venues after delaying the tournament, but all that could have been worked out. When more than a billion dollars is at stake, the path that would recoup as much of the losses as possible was the only one that was going to be taken.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and others have been good about calling attention to low-wage earners on the periphery of sports — those working the concession stands and cleaning the venues — who will lose money from the sports shutting down. Bilas repeatedly called attention to 1180618 Boston Bruins

Businesses brace for downturn after NBA and NHL suspend seasons over coronavirus

By STEFAN GELLER | PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 7:58 p.m. | UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 7:59 p.m.

Businesses around the TD Garden say they expect the economic repercussions of the NBA and NHL season shutdowns to cost them hundreds of customers a night.

“The difference in attendance on a game night is massive; we go from having maybe 20 people here all night to having 300 or 400,” said Stephanie Scione, manager of Sullivan’s Tap on Canal Street. “What do you do now? How do you get people through the door?”

The NBA suspended its season indefinitely on Wednesday after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for coronavirus, and on Thursday the NHL announced that it was following suit.

The impact of those announcements were readily apparent on Thursday, as foot traffic outside TD Garden slowed to a crawl and a 4-foot stack of beer cases sat on the curb outside Sullivan’s, a delivery that Scione was forced to turn away.

“Now we’re stocked for the whole weekend, because there were games scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Monday,” Scione said. “When I heard the news a little tear was shed. Nobody knows what to do.”

Tony Costa, manager of The Fours Restaurant & Sports Bar, said that the number of customers he gets on a non-game night drops from 1,000 to around 100, which means he’s forced to call in only a fifth of his staff.

“We go from 40 employees down to five or six when there’s no game,” Costa said. “You never want to talk about layoffs, but whatever happens happens.”

Joe Slesar, owner of Boston Beer Works, said the league suspensions could lead to hundreds of lost jobs. He said the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic felt similar to downturns that followed the Boston Marathon Bombing and the 9/11 attacks.

“There are hundreds of families that depend on our business and there are thousands that depend on hospitality in general,” Slesar said. “We’ve got to tighten our belts and stick through this, but we’re trying to figure out what we can do with our staff.”

Costa added, “It’s not just us, it’s the food vendors, the cleaning companies, the delivery people. Everyone in the area is going to feel the effects.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180619 Boston Bruins and we can resume our pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Finally, I’d like to wish everyone in the New England community, and people across the globe, safety and good health.”

NHL, Bruins hit pause button The league had tried to take some steps that they hoped would have League among many to shut down due to coronavirus allowed them to continue to play out the schedule. On Monday, a new media regulation was instituted in conjunction with other leagues that closed locker rooms and required press members to keep a distance of 6 to 8 feet from an interview subject in a press conference area. The Bruins By STEVE CONROY | PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 3:32 p.m. | were also scheduled to play the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 5:10 p.m. without any spectators in the stands, per order of local health authorities. Just a week ago that would have seemed like a drastic move, but now it’s clear it would have been only a half-measure. With professional and amateur sports leagues throughout the world going dark, the National Hockey League followed suit and “paused” play on “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts Thursday, effective immediately. The league’s goal is to resume the and local authorities while preparing for any possible developments season and award the Stanley Cup, though it is not yet clear when and if without taking premature or unnecessary measures,” said the league in that can happen. the statement. “However, following (Wednesday) night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for the coronavirus — and given that our “We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at take all reasonable precautions — including by self-quarantine, where some point — it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games appropriate,” said the NHL in a statement. at this time.”

It is not yet clear which teams or players for whom the league considers it From a purely hockey standpoint, the Bruins are hoping to go on a long would be appropriate to self-quarantine, but the Bruins could be one of playoff run. After losing a crushing Game 7 in the Final last year, they them. The athlete whose positive test for the coronavirus kick-started the have led the league from the first puck drop this season and are one of a run of cancellations on Wednesday night, the Utah Jazz’ Rudy Gobert, handful of favorites to win it this year. David Pastrnak was also striving to played at TD Garden on Friday, March 6, the night before the Bruins be the first Bruin to score 50 goals in 26 years. He’s currently at 48. played the Tampa Lightning, who used the same locker room the Jazz did the night before. The Lightning also followed through Detroit’s Little There are plenty of questions yet to be answered. Will the league start Caesars Arena the next night. the playoffs when play resumes or will they be able to play more regular- season games? Currently, teams have not played the same number of The Celtics are currently in quarantine. games. If they have to go directly into the playoffs, do they determine it by points accrued or a points percentage? When and if the playoffs are The hope is that this stoppage in play will only last two to three weeks played, will the postseason be shortened, either by the length of the but, as we saw with how rapidly the landscape evolved on Wednesday, series or number of rounds? If games are canceled, will fans be there is just no way of knowing yet if that’s a reasonable timetable. For reimbursed for the already-purchased tickets? the time being, the teams are not practicing. The Bruins were scheduled to practice at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton and then charter to Buffalo for But these are questions and issues that will be answered and determined the scheduled game on Friday, but the players were sent home without in time, and are certainly not the most pressing ones as the sporting hitting the ice. world, reluctantly, tries to do its part in curbing the pandemic.

The team did not hold any media availability to answer questions but If for some reason, the league cannot resume play and can’t give out the released statements from various members of the organization. Cup, it would be the first time since 1919 that a pandemic prevented it. The Cup series between the Montreal Canadiens and Seattle “While we are disappointed to have the season put on pause, we respect Metropolitans was halted because of the Spanish flu pandemic. and support the decision of the NHL. The health of our fans, players, staff Canadiens player Joe Hall eventually died after contracting the strain. and all of our associates is paramount, and we are hopeful that we can continue the season when it is safe to resume. We will provide Bruins The NHL also did not award the Cup in 2005 because of a season-long updates when available, and on behalf of the organization we would like work stoppage due to a labor dispute. to wish good health to all,” said team president Cam Neely. With its action on Thursday, the league is hoping it can avoid a similar Said GM Don Sweeney: “I think we all believe that the health and well- occurrence. being of every individual person has to be the priority when decisions like this are made. We want to support the efforts of the entire Health sector Boston Herald LOADED: 03.13.2020 as they dedicate their lives to care for those in need. Hopefully we are able to resume playing at some point and the pursuit of the Stanley Cup is realized and becomes a small part of the story. Right now, the world’s focus must remain on people staying healthy and recovering from these challenging times.”

Coach Bruce Cassidy and players also released statements.

“It is disappointing, but it’s the prudent thing to do in these uncertain times. The health of every individual all over the globe is the number one priority and more important than hockey. Hopefully the situation improves to a point where we can resume hockey and compete for the Stanley Cup but until then please remain safe and healthy,” said Cassidy.

Said Captain Zdeno Chara: “Today’s news is difficult to process for our team, our staff, our city and our fans everywhere. As players, we love being able to compete and feed off the passion of our fans, but we understand that this challenge facing our world is much bigger than sports. We fully respect the NHL’s decision today and wish everyone good health until we can once again come together to celebrate the game we love.”

And Patrice Bergeron added: “While it’s disappointing the season has been paused, it’s become apparent that the situation is much larger than sports. In a time like this it is important we continue to listen to experts whose job it is to maintain the safety and well-being of the population until the issue stabilizes. That said, we hope the situation improves soon 1180620 Boston Bruins and visiting club personnel, credentialed media and broadcast partners, essential club and arena staff and NHL officials.” The San Jose Sharks then said their remaining home games in March would go on without National Hockey League suspending its season, hopes to resume play at fans. a later date The NWHL postponed its final scheduled for Friday night in Boston but did not give a new date.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS |PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 1:43 p.m. | A person with direct knowledge of discussions tells The Associated Press UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 2:19 p.m. that a recommendation has been made to the IIHF to cancel the men’s world championships in Switzerland. The recommendation will be taken up for a vote by IIHF members on Thursday, the person told The AP on the condition of anonymity because a decision has not yet been reached. The NHL is following the NBA’s lead and suspending its season because of the coronavirus pandemic. That development comes days after the IIHF canceled the women’s worlds set to begin in late March in Nova Scotia. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Thursday it is pausing its season, one day after the NBA suspended play after a player tested Boston Herald LOADED: 03.13.2020 positive Wednesday for COVID-19.

“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,” Bettman said in a statement.

“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.”

The NHL is halting play with 189 games left in the season and uncertainty about how many more — if any — could be played before the playoffs. A handful of European hockey leagues have already called off the remainder of their seasons.

“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,” Bettman said. “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.”

In anticipation of the season being suspended, numerous teams set to play road games were already finalizing plans to return home in the afternoon. The NHL preceded it’s decision to suspend the season by having all 31 teams cancel practices and pre-game skates. There were 10 games scheduled for Thursday night.

It’s unclear what this move means for the rest of the regular season or playoffs.

The Stanley Cup has been awarded every year since 1893 with two exceptions: in 1919 when the final was canceled after five games because of the Spanish flu outbreak and in 2005 when the season was called off because of a lockout.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

The NBA suspended its season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. A person with knowledge told The Associated Press on Thursday that Gobert’s Utah teammate, Donovan Mitchell, also tested positive.

So far, the NHL has not said any player has tested positive for COVID- 19.

The NHL as recently as 2012-13 cut down to a 48-game regular season after a lockout. That season did include full playoffs.

As of Wednesday, the NHL did not have a leaguewide declaration about even potentially holding games in empty arenas without fans in the stands. The Columbus Blue Jackets became the first team to take that step, saying their games would go on with attendance “limited to home 1180621 Boston Bruins

NHL cancels skates, practices and team meetings due to coronavirus

By STEVE CONROY | PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 10:54 a.m. | UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 11:55 a.m.

With its season hanging in the balance — at least for the time being — the National Hockey League canceled all of its morning skates, practices and team meetings on Thursday morning due to uncertainty surrounding the novel coronavirus.

The league will reportedly hold a conference call with its 31 clubs to decide what to do with the rest of its season after the National Basketball Association abruptly suspended its season upon learning Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. Gobert and the Jazz had played the Celtics at TD Garden on March 6, the night before the Bruins hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Bruins were scheduled to practice at Warrior Arena in Brighton at 11 a.m. then fly to Buffalo for Friday’s scheduled game against the Sabres, but that game, and at least the 11 regular season games remaining after that one, appear now to be in serous jeopardy. One of those games scheduled was March 21 in San Jose against the Sharks that was going to be played without spectators, per mandate by local officials.

The next Bruins game at the Garden is currently scheduled for Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but changes are occurring by the minute.

Also, the Isobel Cup, the NWHL championship game between the and scheduled for Friday night at Warrior Arena, has been postponed.

Boston Herald LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180622 Boston Bruins emotionally decided in the first 20 minutes. It also halted a run of consecutive major-league championships that we may never again see in this region.

Boston Bruins: The Best Team No One is Talking About The team’s current success would normally provoke a months-long “Are they peaking too soon?” discussion.

By BILL SPEROS | PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 6:05 a.m. | But you won’t hear that conversation on your favorite local sports talk UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 8:44 a.m. station until Brady and the Patriots adjudicate their relationship. The Gillette Doomsday Clock ticks toward zero. Thankfully, that situation will be resolved in less than a week.

Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft have spent the past two And as we’ve been told since our first teen crush terminated in emotional months battling through their respective media surrogates to secure a wreckage — “it always ends badly because it has to end.” happy place in history. Boston’s Best Team That No One Is Talking About is not peaking too The Boston Bruins, meanwhile, have been doing it on the ice. Boston’s soon for the simple reason that its peak may never be reached. This Best Team That No One Is Talking About beat the Philadelphia Flyers, 2- mostly-intact squad was outmuscled by the Blues last June. Its ability to 0, Wednesday night after what was likely their best final 20 minutes since recover with such success so deep into this season thus far is worthy of Game 6 against the Blues last June. note and high praise.

I’d never ask you to take my word on such an assumption. Even as feverish tales of Brady woe, Red Sox malfeasance and coronavirus cancellations grip the Hub. Let’s go right to the source on the record — yes, some of us still use sources on the record — Boston coach Bruce Cassidy. Boston Herald LOADED: 03.13.2020 “We’ve come to expect us to be able to play in close games,” Cassidy said afterward, via the Herald’s Marisa Ingemi. “The third was one of our best of the year against a good club that was down a goal.”

Any good hockey coach will never admit his or her team is playing at their best until a championship is won or season is concluded. But anyone watching could plainly see how well Boston’s Best Team That No One Is Talking About and Tuukka Rask stonewalled the Broad Street Bullies Politically-Correct Ruffians. The Flyers were the hottest team in the NHL.

Boston’s Best Team That No One Is Talking About boasts the most lethal front line in the NHL. Put aside the Ghosts of Game 7 for the moment. Rask celebrated his 33rd birthday Wednesday with his 50th career shutout. Boston’s featured goaltender is No. 2 in the NHL with a 2.12 goals against average and fifth in save percentage.

Soon-to-be-43-year-old defenseman Zdeno Chara has also rediscovered his affinity for stick-flipping. During that wild and woolly affair at TD Garden Saturday, Big Z propelled Mikhail Sergachev’s stick toward the rafters after a hit by the Lightning defenseman. Chara subsequently ejected the stick of Philadelphia’s Sean Couturier on Wednesday.

At 44-12-12, Boston’s Best Team That No One Is Talking About is the first NHL squad to reach 100 points this season. Since the days of the , NHL regular-season milestones have been the Easter candy of fools. The Presidents Cup trophy is as much a blessing as it is a curse. The NHL regular season means nothing because the Stanley Cup champion must win 16 postseason games to claim the oldest prize in pro sports.

Home ice also guarantees nothing in May or June. And there soon may be no crowds at NHL games for the foreseeable future, anyway.

This team, and more specifically its goaltender, are stuck on 15 until the “Cup comes home.” Every Stanley Cup winner uses the same line. For the Bruins, it carries an extra tinge of urgency because only one Cup has come home to Boston since Richard Nixon’s first term in office.

Boston has cultural — certainly not literal — sobriety that has allowed it to avoid any post-Game 7-loss hangover. When video of the team’s breakup party last June found its way onto social media, many were pissed that the Bruins were celebrating after a season that ended with a Game 7 loss at home.

The wisdom in that post-Game-7-loss revelry has manifested itself through 68 games of this regular season. Boston’s Best Team That No One Is Talking About did not see their world end with that Game 7 loss to the Blues. Even if yours did. The Belichickian Cosmos occupies the time- space continuum we currently share. In this domain, any season that does not end with Duck Boats rolling is an abject failure.

These Bruins disagreed. And Boston’s Best Team That No One Is Talking About has been able to maintain a level of play that brought a Stanley Cup Final Game 7 deep into the following season.

Boston’s 2019 playoff run concluded in resignation and gloom. The Bruins and Rask fizzled on their home ice in the final game of the NHL playoffs. It was agonizing but painless, given that the game was 1180623 Boston Bruins heartbreaking for Bruins fans if they never get to see the playoff potential of a Bruins team that was steaming toward the President’s Trophy this season.

What could things look like for the Bruins when the NHL returns to A scenario with July hockey games could open up a whole logistical can action? of worms, of course, with the NHL Draft set for late June and the traditional open of NHL free agency on July 1 each summer as well. But if we’ve learned anything at this point, it’s that the next six months or By Joe Haggerty March 12, 2020 11:59 PM more are going to be unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. The entire world is in uncharted waters right now across all walks of life and it’s

going to take a while before anybody has concrete answers about The ominously bad news is that the NHL season has been put on pause anything, NHL-related or otherwise. by the coronavirus pandemic as its begun to infiltrate the United States. For now let’s keep the hope for a Stanley Cup playoff alive and let that be The next month or two is going to be “wait and see” in pretty much every the light at the end of the tunnel after a long, strange few months waiting aspect of life as seemingly everything, from schools to theatres and ahead for all of us. museums, close down in mitigation efforts to try and slow down the Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.13.2020 spread of the dangerous virus. Bruins players and staff certainly understood the gravity of the situation and the reasoning behind suspending the NHL regular season for the time being.

NHL Power Rankings: Are Bruins actually underrated?

“Today’s news is difficult to process for our team, our staff, our city and our fans everywhere,” said Bruins captain Zdeno Chara in a statement. “As players, we love being able to compete and feed off the passion of our fans, but we understand that this challenge facing our world is much bigger than sports.”

The good news we’re seeing in places like and is that we will get on the other side of the coronavirus if social distancing is successful. So there is legit hope that the league will reconvene in the next couple of months and still be able to at least hold a Stanley Cup playoff pushed back deeper into the summer.

That was the common theme from Bruins players and personnel in their thoughts at the news that NHL regular season was being put on pause.

“While it’s disappointing the season has been paused, it’s become apparent that the situation is much larger than sports. In a time like this it is important we continue to listen to experts whose job it is to maintain the safety and well-being of the population until the issue stabilizes,” said Patrice Bergeron in a statement. “That said, we hope the situation improves soon and we can resume our pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Finally, I’d like to wish everyone in the New England community, and people across the globe, safety and good health.”

Bruins GM Don Sweeney highlighted the medical professionals that are going to be under great strain in the days and weeks ahead as well, which puts in great perspective exactly what’s important right now.

“I think we all believe that the health and well-being of every individual person has to be the priority when decisions like this are made,” said Sweeney in a statement. “We want to support the efforts of the entire Health sector as they dedicate their lives to care for those in need.

“Hopefully we are able to resume playing at some point and the pursuit of the Stanley Cup is realized and becomes a small part of the story. Right now, the world’s focus must remain on people staying healthy and recovering from these challenging times.”

What could the NHL look like when it does come back?

The NHL is going to revisit things in a few weeks and gauge the state of the country, but the sense here is that’s way too soon to expect a return to regular action. A more realistic scenario is that the NHL will hit the pause button for a minimum of six weeks and that, if all goes exceedingly well, hockey might be ready to return around the beginning of May.

If that happens the regular season isn’t likely to be resumed, and instead, the Stanley Cup playoffs would begin with seeding by winning percentage given the games played disparities when the season paused. The timing of it all would be almost exactly in line with the lockout- shortened 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs when the postseason began at the start of May, and the final game of the Stanley Cup final was played on June 24.

League sources have indicated to NBCSportsBoston.com that the NHL has inquired about open arena dates into the month of July if need be, so the league is fully prepared to push the postseason even deeper into the summer. That should give some assurance to hockey fans that the league is doing everything they can to ensure there is proper closure to this season. It’s understandable given the circumstances, but it would be 1180624 Boston Bruins Krug, like many of his B's teammates, is having a stellar season. Unfortunately, he was unable to take the ice for Boston's last game versus the Philadelphia Flyers due to an upper-body injury. And like Here's why Boston athletes will benefit from time off amid coronavirus Krug, Brandon Carlo has also missed time with an upper-body injury after outbreak being on the receiving end of an elbow to the head from Florida Panthers forward Evgenii Dadonov.

So, although the B's are rolling, they'll 100 percent benefit from the time By Erin Walsh March 12, 2020 4:47 PM off. Players will have the time to heal properly, and for a team who made it to the Stanley Cup Final last season, the time off is always going to

appreciated -- no matter the unfortunate circumstances. The COVID-19 outbreak is extremely serious with the NBA, NHL, MLS, That said, this will give Steven Stamkos time to return to action if the and MLB suspending their seasons for player, staff and fan safety. NHL regular season resumes in the coming months -- making for a more But, the professional athletes in Boston will highly benefit from the time difficult matchup for the B's in a potential meeting with the Tampa Bay off -- especially with the Stanley Cup Playoffs and NBA Postseason right Lightning in the playoffs. around the corner. MLB cancels Spring Training, delays start of season Obviously there's no timetable for any of the leagues listed above to resume play, but with that in question, let's take a look at each team's current situation and how they vary. The MLB announced the remainder of Spring Training games will be canceled, and the start of the regular season has been delayed at least NHL puts 2019-20 season on hold two weeks. Since they may not be too good this year, some fans aren't too upset by The NBA was the first professional league to suspend its season the delay in the Red Sox's season. After dealing Mookie Betts and David following the news that Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert (and later Price to the , and also losing Brock Holt to the Donovan Mitchell) tested positive for the coronavirus. The Celtics played , not many are sitting high on the 2020 Red Sox. the Jazz twice in the span of 10 days, and are now self-quarantining on Here's how the Sox ended Spring Training: the NBA's recommendation. 9-10 Spring Training record with two ties. Here's where the C's stand during the NBA's postponement of the season: Notable losses to the and .

43-21 record. Of course, Spring Training is only to get the players up to speed for the regular season, but the Sox didn't look too good regardless -- and their 5-5 in their last 10 games. farm system ranks 25th in the league, which isn't too hot. Third place in the Eastern Conference. In the Betts trade, the Red Sox received Alex Verdugo, who is dealing The Celtics were struggling over the course of the past couple weeks. with a back injury and isn't expected to be ready in time for the start of They lost four of their last six games, with their two wins coming against the season with no clear timetable on a return. However, maybe with the fifth-place Indiana Pacers and last place Cleveland Cavaliers. some extended rest and rehab time, Verdugo could possibly be ready for the season. Their struggles could be largely in part to the inability to close out games, but also injuries to key players like Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker. So, On the pitching side of things, Chris Sale has a flexor strain after quite obviously, Boston could use the rest in order to nurse some of their throwing a bullpen session at the beginning of the month. Although he players back to health. doesn't need surgery, he still is unable to workout and, according to the Red Sox, he'll be reevaluated in the coming weeks. Brown missed four straight games thanks to a hamstring strain, while Walker has been limited at times due to his ongoing knee issues. Like Verdugo, Sale could highly benefit from the extended period of time off. With this extended period of rest, the C's should hopefully be fully healthy and geared up for the final stretch, as well as the playoffs, when the NBA New England Revolution season resumes. Like the other professional leagues, the MLS also decided to suspend its However, if the NBA does extend the season, this could allow the injured season after just two weeks of action. Kevin Durant to return for the Brooklyn Nets this season, as mentioned With the Revolution set to reach new heights under head coach Bruce on Felger and Mazz earlier today. With the Nets being a possible playoff Arena this season, it was rather disappointing to hear their season has matchup for the C's it wouldn't exactly be ideal if he was to return. been postponed. Boston Bruins Here's where the Revs stand during the MLS postponement: The NHL was one of the last professional leagues to suspend play 0-1-1 record (one point) following the coronavirus outbreak, but nonetheless they still did. Eighth place in Eastern Conference. While none of the league's players have been confirmed to have COVID- 19, it still was the right decision by Gary Bettman and NHL officials to The Revs should've won their second game of the season against postpone the remainder of the season. Chicago Fire FC, but failed to capitalize on plenty of scoring opportunities. With Carles Gil still dealing with a foot injury, the Here's where the B's stand during the NHL's postponement of the suspension of the MLS season works in New England's favor. season: Gil has missed both of the Revolution's games this season and wasn't 44-14-12 record (100 points). sure he'd be ready for Week 3 against the Portland Timbers on Sunday. 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. With no timetable for the return of the season, Gil should have plenty of time to rest up and recover ahead of their next match. First place in the Atlantic Division, Eastern Conference, and NHL. With Adam Buksa, Teal Bunbury and Gustavo Bou currently carrying the The B's are in the midst of one of their best regular-season performances load on the attack, Gil should be a nice addition once he's able to return. in franchise history. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.13.2020 Tuukka Rask leads all goaltenders with a 2.12 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage, while David Pastrnak is tied with Alex Ovechkin for the lead-league in goals with 48. Torey Krug also ranks eighth among defensemen with 49 points and sixth with 40 assists. 1180625 Boston Bruins

NHL temporarily pausing 2019-20 season amid coronavirus outbreak

By Darren Hartwell March 12, 2020 1:45 PM

The next domino has fallen.

The NHL announced Thursday it will pause the 2019-20 season due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus, joining the NBA and among North American professional leagues that have suspended operations.

The NHL pauses the 2019-20 season. pic.twitter.com/bCi776ZFqX

— NHL (@NHL) March 12, 2020

The NHL said in a statement it is hopeful to complete the season and still hold the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The NHL's announcement seemed likely Thursday morning after the league advised teams not to conduct their morning skates.

On-ice officials were told to book flights home earlier Thursday, per The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, while NHL teams on the road were preparing to head home as well, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

NHL teams have yet to test players for coronavirus, but two players on the NBA's Utah Jazz have tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours.

Many NHL teams share arenas with their NBA counterparts, including the Boston Bruins. The Celtics hosted the Jazz on Friday at TD Garden, where the Bruins hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning the following night.

The Bruins last played in Philadelphia, where they beat the Flyers 2-0 to earn their 100th point of the season. They currently own the NHL's best record at 44-14-12.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180626 Boston Bruins The CDC has already recommended that sports leagues with massive attendance like the NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS shut down for the time being for the greater good of all Americans.

It's time for the NHL to do the right thing and suspend the season There's no doubt this is going to suck for hockey fans, and this humble hockey writer includes himself in that company.

By Joe Haggerty March 12, 2020 10:33 AM But it’s time for the NHL to do what’s right for everybody — even if it means doing what might have been unthinkable just a couple of weeks ago.

The NHL Board of Governors will meet this afternoon, presumably to It’s time for the NHL to suspend this season until things are back to discuss the fate of the remainder of the 2019-20 NHL regular season due normal. to the U.S. outbreak of the coronavirus. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.13.2020 The highly-contagious, dangerous virus has forced shutdowns of conferences, sports leagues and other high-attendance events all over the country in the last couple of days, including the NBA’s suspension of their regular season on Wednesday night. Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus just ahead of a Jazz/Thunder game and that immediately set up the dominoes to fall for the entire league.

That’s the same Utah Jazz team, by the way, that played in a number of arenas shared by the NBA/NHL over the last week, including a game in Boston at TD Garden against the Boston Celtics last Friday night.

“The National Hockey League is aware of the NBA’s decision [on Wednesday night] to indefinitely suspend its season due to a player testing positive for the coronavirus,” said the NHL in a statement. “The NHL is continuing to consult with medical experts and is evaluating the options. We expect to have a further update [on Thursday].”

Jackie MacMullan: 'Worst case scenario' for NBA

Just a couple days ago, the NHL was going to continue with business as usual unless state, town or municipal governments mandated they shutter their doors, and the tentative plan would have been to play in empty arenas for as long as possible.

An NBA player already testing positive for the virus and multiple NBA teams already being put into self-quarantine, however, has drastically changed the calculus. The only right thing for the NHL to do at this point is suspend the rest of their regular season, even if no NHL player has yet been diagnosed with the coronavirus. It’s only a matter of time before that happens and cancelling games right now can drastically help reduce the spread of a virus that’s already forced the entire country of Italy to shut down.

Perhaps there is a chance a couple of months down the road to resume the NHL schedule with late-starting Stanley Cup playoff rounds once the virus is under control, as it appears is happening in places like China and South Korea after drastic preventative measures were taken. Maybe the only end result is this 2019-20 season will forever have an asterisk attached to it as the year that was permanently shortened by the coronavirus.

Undoubtedly there is going to be massive fallout from cancelling a month of games, and possibly an entire spring of Stanley Cup Playoffs. The salary cap will have to be recalculated and certainly can’t be counted on going up to the $84-88 million range as the league had already forecasted a few weeks ago. Tens of thousands of NHL arena workers are going to be out of work, and out of money, over the next few months with all games cleared from the schedule.

Hopefully pro sports leagues that have printed money over the years can step up now and support those lifeblood workers that have helped make the big four North American pro sports leagues the best in the world. That’s something Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban already talked about immediately in the wake of the NBA suspending its season. The fiscal part of the decision will be a sobering one once the numbers get crunched, but that’s really not what’s at stake for the next few months.

Jaylen Brown shares important PSA in wake of outbreak

Nobody has the definitive answers as to what is going to happen, but we can all be hopeful that a month or two down the road this will be in the rearview mirror from a health, financial and quality of life perspective. Countries that had early, abundant testing and instituted drastic measures first are the ones having the best success stories, so that is the model that U.S. government and big business alike should be following. 1180627 Boston Bruins

This is scary s—‘: Impact of NHL hiatus felt far across Bruins landscape

By Joe McDonald Mar 12, 2020

It may seem like hockey is only a game, but the NHL’s decision to suspend its season impacts families across the board.

Sure, players, coaches and many team personnel are secure financially during this hiatus, but TD Garden employees are scrambling.

“It’s a big ripple effect,” said one Garden employee. “I’m sad for people. It’s scary. But maybe this is the time we help each other. We can get through this.”

Another longtime employee is scared.

“I’m unemployed,” said the Garden worker. “Honestly, I don’t know because the company hasn’t contacted us about anything.”

Only a few hours before the NHL announced its decision to suspend the season, Bruins players and staff were waiting at Warrior Ice Arena to find out whether they’d travel to Buffalo for the next game or be sent home. When the league announced its decision, players understood the significance.

“While it’s disappointing the season has been paused, it’s become apparent that the situation is much larger than sports,” said Patrice Bergeron. “In a time like this, it is important we continue to listen to experts whose job it is to maintain the safety and well-being of the population until the issue stabilizes. That said, we hope the situation improves soon and we can resume our pursuit of the Stanley Cup.”

As the flagship network for the Bruins and Red Sox, NESN will be hugely impacted by the stoppage of play in the NHL and MLB’s decision to delay the planned start of its regular season on March 26.

The network said it will begin re-airing the Bruins’ victories from this season to help fill out its schedule.

At this point, the Bruins own the best record in the NHL with 100 points. No one knows when, or even if, the league will return this season, but the overall impact goes beyond the game.

“As a former player, I’m concerned about the league, the players and where this season is going to go and the unfairness of it all,” said Andy Brickley, who calls Bruins games on NESN.

As the events unfolded Thursday, everyone in the hockey world attempted to grasp the significance of it all. It impacts everyone financially. It affects the salary cap. Will there be a Stanley Cup champion in 2020?

“This is unprecedented,” Brickley said. “Your brain races, and it makes you think about a lot of different things and a lot of different conversations. What is best? Of course you’re concerned about everybody’s health. The unknown makes you think, it makes you wonder and it makes you want to be part of the solution to try to come up with an answer as to how can we salvage this NHL season? Then, you have your allegiance. You have your Boston Bruins, the best team in the league and they have a chance to win the Stanley Cup, and for that to be pulled out from these guys, yeah, the unknown is unbelievable.”

So many things are at risk from a hockey standpoint. Who knows what happens to the Bruins’ magical season to this point? David Pastrnak is stuck at 48 goals. Tuukka Rask’s run at the Vezina Trophy is in jeopardy. Another run toward the Stanley Cup could all go for naught. Regardless of the financial, social or hockey impact, the health of everyone involved is first and foremost.

“This is scary shit,” said another Garden employee. “Looks like I’ll be out of work for a while.”

Let’s hope not.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180628 Boston Bruins did not answer whether Warrior will be available for individual skating or off-ice workouts.

If the season resumes and the playoffs begin immediately, whom will the A promising Bruins season has been put on ice. But will it resume? Bruins play?

If the NHL goes with current seeding, the Bruins, as the No. 1 seed in the By Fluto Shinzawa Mar 12, 2020 Eastern Conference, would draw Columbus, the second wild-card entry.

If that’s the case, how would the Bruins match up against the Blue Jackets? On Thursday morning, about the time they should have skated onto the Warrior Ice Arena sheet for practice, some of the Bruins were driving out It would be a rematch from last year’s second round. The Bruins beat of the rink’s garage. Columbus in six games to advance to the Eastern Conference final against Carolina. When they will return is unknown after the NHL’s decision Thursday to suspend play. The Bruins have played 70 of the regular season’s The Blue Jackets lost Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky in free originally scheduled 82 games. agency. They also said goodbye to Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel. Despite the departures, Columbus has hung in this season while being “I think we all believe that the health and well-being of every individual hammered with injuries. Josh Anderson is out for the year. Seth Jones is person has to be the priority when decisions like this are made,” general sidelined. Joonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins have missed crease manager Don Sweeney said in a prepared statement. “We want to time. support the efforts of the entire health sector as they dedicate their lives to care for those in need. Hopefully we are able to resume playing at As usual, Columbus plays a structured, hard-nosed, defense-first game some point and the pursuit of the Stanley Cup is realized and becomes a under coach John Tortorella. But the Jackets struggle to score. They small part of the story. Right now, the world’s focus must remain on have allowed 2.61 goals per game, fourth-fewest in the league. They people staying healthy and recovering from these challenging times.” have scored 2.57 goals per game, also fourth-fewest.

The Bruins, like the rest of the NHL, are now in limbo. Instead of traveling It would be a hard-fought series. But the Bruins have more depth at every to Buffalo on Thursday afternoon for a Friday game against the Sabres, position than the Jackets do. they are left to wonder what will happen with the remainder of the 2019- What happens with individual achievements? 20 season — if there is one. David Pastrnak and Alex Ovechkin are tied atop the league with 48 It may very well be that Tuesday’s 2-0 win in Philadelphia was the final goals. The 50-goal threshold appeared to be a formality for Pastrnak. game for the Bruins, one of the Cup favorites. Whether the COVID-19 Whether he can break it is unknown. pandemic will ease in time for the NHL to resume cannot be predicted. Tuukka Rask, meanwhile, has a .929 all-situations save percentage, the In fact, many of the questions regarding the Bruins cannot be answered highest of any goalie who has appeared in at least half of his games. At now. Here are some of them: their paces, Pastrnak and Rask would have been in the conversation for Have any of the Bruins been diagnosed with COVID-19? the Hart and Vezina trophies, respectively. It is unknown whether the league will issue awards if the regular season is over. Brandon McNelis, the Bruins’ director of communications and content, did not respond to this question. Brandon Carlo and Torey Krug did not How will the suspension of play affect future roster decisions? play against the Flyers because of injuries. No Bruins have recently Krug, Jaroslav Halak, Zdeno Chara, Joakim Nordstrom and Kevan Miller missed games or practices because of illnesses. will be unrestricted free agents. Jake DeBrusk, Matt Grzelcyk, Anders The Bruins share TD Garden with the Celtics, who have been instructed Bjork and Karson Kuhlman will be restricted. to self-quarantine. The Celtics played the Utah Jazz at the Garden on The salary cap is based on hockey-related revenue, which will be March 6. Utah’s Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell have tested positive affected to a significant degree. So until 2019-20 is resolved in one form for COVID-19. The Bruins hosted Tampa Bay on March 7. or another, it’s a good bet that all negotiations will be put on hold.

According to health officials, the coronavirus is highly transmittable. The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 “(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,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in his statement regarding the league’s suspension.

If this is it for the 2019-20 season, will the Bruins win the Cup?

The 44-14-12 Bruins, because of their league-leading 100 points, would be the default champion. But the NHL’s intention is to restart its engines whenever it is determined to be safe for all parties.

“Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent,” Bettman said, “so that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup.”

The Cup was not awarded in 1918-19 following the worldwide flu outbreak and the cancellation of the Montreal-Seattle final. The Cup was not awarded in 2004-05 because of the season-long lockout.

What will the team do in the short term?

For now, the Bruins will not practice. They will not have meetings or video sessions. Most of the players live downtown. Some of the older Bruins and their families are in the suburbs.

The team was not worried about the players’ loss of fitness during their bye week and All-Star Game break in January. Assuming, however, that the suspension of play will last longer than that, the players will have to maintain some level of conditioning if and when play resumes. McNelis 1180629 Boston Bruins Bjork, who played at Notre Dame, wants to be a top-six player and the organization believes he has the ability. It’s only a matter of getting stronger and learning from the veterans.

‘Are you ready for it, or not?’ Bruins out to test Anders Bjork’s playoff “It’s huge,” Bjork said. “Just watching them you understand why they’ve mettle had so much success and why (Bergeron’s) the player he is because you see it every day. They make it a point to talk about (playoffs), especially to the younger guys, like me, who haven’t been through it. They talk By Joe McDonald Mar 12, 2020 about the old times, the playoffs, the losses and the wins.

16 As a player who is trying to work his way back into the lineup, having that sponge mentality is one way he can prepare even if he’s not playing. Patrice Bergeron had already showered, dressed and was leaving the Watching, listening, learning, improving and implementing are some of Bruins’ practice facility when teammate Anders Bjork stepped off the ice the keys for Bjork to find himself on the ice when it matters. at Warrior Ice Arena. “I’ll be fully prepared,” he said. “I’ll pull as much weight as I possibly can The 23-year-old forward has been a healthy scratch in four of the last five when needed.” games, so he’s getting in as much extra work as possible in an attempt to return to the lineup. He’s basically been the odd-man-out since the The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 Bruins acquired forwards Nick Ritchie and Ondrej Kase at the trade deadline.

The Bruins have created more internal competition with the added depth at the forward position and Bjork needs to improve certain aspects of his game before the playoffs.

“You’re going to see more determined-men style of play in the playoffs and that’s what we’re trying to prep him for,” said coach Bruce Cassidy. “For him it’s short term and long term to say, ‘this is what you’re going to be up against. Are you ready for it, or not?’ You never know from year to year which young guys are going to respond.”

When Bjork first entered the NHL during the 2017-18 season, he was getting pushed around with ease and losing puck battles, which is one reason he suffered a pair of season-ending shoulder injuries. Due to those injuries and subsequent surgeries, he hasn’t experienced Stanley Cup playoff hockey, but he understands its played at an entirely different level and that’s what he’s preparing for on and off the ice.

“I try to watch the older guys and the guys who have had success in the playoffs, even the younger guys who have had success in the playoffs and to hear how they talk about it; you can learn stuff from that,” Bjork said. “What I’ve observed so far is everybody gets excited for playoffs. They love the hockey and say it’s the best time of the year. They’re playing to win.”

Bjork wants to be part of that and contribute every game. Whether he’s in or out of the lineup from now until the end of the regular season, he’s preparing in those areas that the coaching staff has pointed out to him in practice and video sessions.

He understands he needs to increase his competitiveness and grittiness.

“That starts with skating hard and through guys, pumping my feet constantly because that’s when I get going,” Bjork said.

That especially important for him in the neutral zone, whether or not he has the puck on his stick. When his motor’s not running to full capacity is when he struggles. Skating is his biggest asset, so when he’s not using it to the best of his ability he’s finding himself watching games from press level.

“Stronger on his feet and stronger on the puck,” Cassidy said. “Playoffs battles are heavy when you’re getting whacked with sticks you’ve got to be able to be strong on the puck. We know his pace is good. He’s still learning the game away from the puck and we know he has a commitment to get in there, so I’m not doubting his competitiveness now. He’s better acclimated to his surroundings on the ice when he gets inside. He’s going to have to make some plays with strength.”

It’s not a coincidence Bjork’s locker stall is next to Bergeron’s. It’s an opportunity for the younger player to soak in all the information the veteran is willing to share and No. 37 owns a bank vault of experiences when it comes to playoff hockey.

“First of all, you can’t change anything as far as what you bring to this team,” Bergeron said. “The biggest change is the intensity and every play matters. You need to realize the tempo, the speed, everything is going to increase and it’s going to be more physical. Everybody has to be himself and bring what they bring to the table. You’re a piece to the puzzle and that’s what we tell everyone. And, enjoy it.” 1180630 Buffalo Sabres Canucks (tied for the final West slot but one regulation win behind Nashville). Talk about frustration.

The Sabres have 13 games left. They're not going to the playoffs, but it's It's unfathomable: The games have stopped and we don't know when clear that those games could be a final referendum on General Manager they'll be back Jason Botterill. There's free agents all over their roster. Maybe we've seen the last of them. If the league doesn't return, or comes back only with limited playoffs, the loss of revenue could severely limit the salary By Mike Harrington cap for next season. So much uncertainty that it makes your head spin.

Of course, no one knows if or when this season will resume or next season will begin. Hockey and every sport is obviously insignificant in the Sports have always been our escape. Think about it. They didn't go away grand scheme of things. It's a surreal time. during World War II. Except for the NFL's brain cramp to decide to take the field, it was only a few days after the assassination of John F. Now we just sit and wait. It's never been like this before. Unnerving for Kennedy that play resumed after most everything shut down. It was 10 sure. days after 9/11 when Mike Piazza hit his famous home run at Shea Stadium for the Mets to lift the spirits of New York and the nation. Buffalo News LOADED: 03.13.2020

You knew the games were coming back and we could rally around them. And that's what makes one stunning week in March of 2020 unlike anything we've ever seen. We have no idea what's happening, no idea when the teams are returning. Or even if they are, in the cases of the NBA and NHL.

Almost no conference basketball tournaments. No Selection Sunday and Selection Monday. No bracket pools. No March Madness at all. It's mind- boggling.

And it goes through much more. No Frozen Four, no men's and women's College World Series. Your heart breaks for all the seniors who had one last chance, all the athletes of any class year who might have had their best chance for those shining moments.

No more spring training. No baseball at all for a while, both major league and the Bisons. Opening Days circled on the calendars for months are now scrapped. No Bandits games. High school championships shelved from state to state.

These leagues and organizations had no choice. The games had to stop in the wake of what we saw happen Wednesday night in the NBA, when Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for the coronavirus. And certainly when we learned Thursday morning that a second Jazz player, Donovan Mitchell, also tested positive.

To borrow from MLB commissioner Fay Vincent during the 1989 World Series earthquake, your modest little sporting events all need to take a seat in the name of public health. Everything needs to be delayed, for the safety of all those in uniform as well as all those in the stands and working in the ballparks and arenas.

As for hockey, seasons are being wiped out across the globe. The Swiss League, near and dear to the heart of Sabres coach Ralph Krueger, and Czech League canceled their seasons Thursday morning.

The Swedish League didn't go to that length – at least not yet – and instead is going on a 10-day hiatus and a plan to play shorter playoff series. The International Federation tweeted the World Championship in May in Switzerland are still on, despite reports to the contrary. We'll see how long that sticks.

Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Norway, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia have canceled the remainder of their hockey seasons.

The NHL did not jump to immediately shut down its season like the NBA did Wednesday, likely because it didn't have a confirmed positive test for the virus. The league moved deliberately through its conference call with representatives from its Board of Governors on Thursday afternoon, initially telling teams to cancel all morning skates and practices.

The Sabres were in Montreal and stayed hunkered in their downtown hotel, rather than go to the for their morning meetings. The NHL's official word then signaled the Sabres and all teams on the road to head for the airports to start the trip home.

The league's statement was intentionally vague. No one knows how long this hiatus is going to be. A week? A month? Two months? Does the season resume from the point we're at, as Gary Bettman's statement clearly indicated is the hope? Or does the league go directly to some sort of playoffs, thus putting a premature end to the season for teams like the Sabres?

And just imagine if that's the case for teams like the (one point out of a wild card with two games in hand) or Vancouver 1180631 Buffalo Sabres — Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) March 12, 2020

The Sabres have 13 games, six in KeyBank Center, remaining on their schedule. Buffalo was planning to host its 2010s Night on Friday as part NHL suspends its season amid outbreak of coronavirus of the franchise's 50th anniversary celebration and its alumni wine festival schedule for Thursday was postponed. The team has a 30-31-8 record and its 68 points are tied for the third-fewest in the Eastern By Lance Lysowski Published Thu, Mar 12, 2020|Updated Thu, Mar 12, Conference, a potential ninth consecutive season without playoff hockey 2020 in Buffalo.

The Sabres' roster could look significantly different if their season is over, as the team has five pending unrestricted free agents on the active MONTREAL – Ralph Krueger and the Buffalo Sabres traveled to the roster. There is also expected to be a significant fallout from the center of the hockey world to play the first of 13 games remaining on stoppage in play, including a lower salary cap for 2020-21. their regular season schedule. Switzerland and Germany are among the nine European-based hockey The Sabres left Montreal wondering when or if they'll play another NHL leagues to cancel the remainder of their seasons. The NHL had already game before next season. barred scouts from traveling overseas and some teams ordered their The NHL officially suspended its season Thursday with plans to resume employees to not make any trips in North America. On-ice officials were "as soon as it is appropriate and prudent," according to a statement instructed to book flights home Thursday morning. released by Commisioner Gary Bettman, in response to the novel The coronavirus first impacted the NHL in early February when two major coronavirus outbreak that caused a stoppage in the NBA on Wednesday. stick manufacturers, Bauer and CCM, had factories close in China. The The Sabres declined to make Krueger or players available to the media International Ice Hockey Federation then canceled two significant following the announcement. TSN reported NHL teams are barred from tournaments, including the women's world championships. holding meetings or practices while the season is suspended, although The NBA took sweeping action Wednesday when it postponed a game the league is still working on guidelines. between the Jazz and Thunder in Oklahoma City moments before tipoff, The NBA suspended its season late Wednesday night when Rudy closing Chesapeake Energy Arena and causing team personnel to await Gobert of the Utah Jazz reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus. word on next steps. Utah and the Washington Wizards, who played the Gobert recently played road games in Toronto, Detroit, Boston and New Jazz recently, were instructed to self-quarantine. York, all of which have a mix-use facility that host NHL games. Gobert's The NHL released a one-paragraph statement shortly after the NBA teammate, Donovan Mitchell, later tested positive for the virus, according announced its decision to suspend the season: "The National Hockey to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. League is aware of the NBA's decision tonight to indefinitely suspend its Bettman released the following statement Thursday: "The NHL has been season due to a player testing positive for coronavirus. The NHL is attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities, continuing to consult with medical experts and is evaluating the options. while preparing for any possible developments without taking premature We expect to have a further update tomorrow." or unnecessary measures. However, following last night's news that an An NHL season was last interrupted in 2012-13, when a lockout of the NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus -- and given that our players delayed it from starting until January and cut the schedule to 48 leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems games. The only time a season was stopped by a pandemic came in likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at 1919, when an influenza outbreak struck the Montreal Canadiens and the some point -- it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games Stanley Cup final against the Seattle Metropolitans could not be at this time. completed after five games. The Cup was also not awarded in 2005 after "We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we a lockout canceled the season. all encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to Buffalo News LOADED: 03.13.2020 take all reasonable precautions -- including 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 their patience and hope you stay healthy."

In a statement released on social media, the Sabres said they are in "full support" of the NHL pausing its season and urged community members to practice measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Additionally, the team reminded fans that games have not been canceled and all purchased tickets will be valid for rescheduled dates.

The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time. pic.twitter.com/ApudNZvurS

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) March 12, 2020

The Sabres were in Montreal preparing to face the Canadiens Thursday night when the NHL instructed its teams to not hold morning skates, practices or team meetings. Players waited at the team hotel for further instructions.

Meanwhile, the Sabres and 19 other clubs scheduled to play Thursday were forced to plan for multiple scenarios, including having to fly home immediately. The NHL opted to first consult with team officials, the players association and medical experts before coming to a final decision.

Later Thursday, the American Hockey League announced it was also suspending play until further notice. The AHL said it "will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on the 2019-20 season at the appropriate time." The Amerks issued a statement of support of the league and said tickets will be valid when games are rescheduled.

A statement from the Rochester Americans: pic.twitter.com/XDCj7UBKrq 1180632 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres cancel team meeting, media availability as NHL ponders next steps

By Lance Lysowski Published Thu, Mar 12, 2020|Updated Thu, Mar 12, 2020

MONTREAL – The Buffalo Sabres canceled meetings and media availability Thursday morning in Bell Centre as the team awaits word on whether the novel coronavirus will cause the NHL to suspend its season.

The NHL announced Thursday morning that all morning skates, practices and team meetings will be canceled until the league decides the next course of action. The Sabres were scheduled to hold team meetings this morning in Montreal, followed by media availability with coach Ralph Krueger and players. Buffalo is scheduled to play the Canadiens tonight at 7 p.m., the first of 13 games remaining on the Sabres' regular-season schedule.

The NHL is holding a call with its Board of Governors at 1 p.m. Eastern. The NBA suspended its season late Wednesday night after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus. Gobert recently played NBA road games in Toronto, Detroit, Boston and New York, all of which have a mix-use facility that host NHL games.

Switzerland and Germany are among the European-based hockey leagues to cancel their seasons. The NHL already had barred scouts from traveling overseas and many teams ordered their employees to not make any trips across North America.

The NHL released a one-paragraph statement shortly after the NBA announced its decision to suspend the season: "The National Hockey League is aware of the NBA's decision tonight to indefinitely suspend its season due to a player testing positive for coronavirus. The NHL is continuing to consult with medical experts and is evaluating the options. We expect to have a further update tomorrow."

Buffalo News LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180633 Buffalo Sabres didn’t know — and has been coaching a peewee team with Jimmy Lorentz, son of the former Sabres broadcast analyst.

For the first time in seven years he dared venture into an NHL arena in What happened to Sabres star Tim Connolly? After 7 years, he’s ready to February 2019, dropping into Barclays Center to witness Edmonton explain Oilers star Connor McDavid play live. In a building filled with New York Islanders fans, nobody recognized their fifth overall 1999 draft choice.

Tim Graham Mar 12, 2020 All of that felt satisfactory enough that one month ago Connolly returned to KeyBank Center for the first time as a civilian. As part of the Sabres’ golden-anniversary season, he attended a 2000s night celebration and reunited with a handful of his buddies. They swapped tales and volleyed names from the past, as hockey guys do. Like cards flipped onto the table, a long-ago memory gets tossed out “I hadn’t seen Timmy in the longest time,” said Jason Pominville, the for discussion, then trumped by a trivia question only to be one-upped by teammate Connolly assisted on the score sheet 35 times, more than any an inside joke. other player. “He was not an easy guy to get ahold of. It was good to see him again.” Around and around it went last summer for Lindy Ruff and old Buffalo Sabres teammates Mike Ramsey, Mike Foligno and Larry Playfair. Connolly hung out a few hours in a No. 19 anniversary sweater. He posed for photos with his guys, did a quick interview scrum with A name arose that stumped them all. reporters, signed autographs for fans, got folks caught up somewhat on “Whatever happened to Tim Connolly?” Ruff asked them. “Where is he his whereabouts. now?” Yet he has remained mostly incommunicado. He can’t return Ryan Connolly was a scintillating playmaker, destined for the NHL before he Miller’s texts? could get a driver’s license. He stickhandled around the world’s elite “Yeah, I fell off the grid,” said Connolly, sliding into a booth last week in defensemen for 13 years, nine with the Sabres. the Pittsford Pub, a restaurant close to his house. He wore a Syracuse Ruff was his coach the entire time. Foligno’s son, Marcus, competed in University toque and a black hoodie with his peewee team’s logo. Sabres training camps with Connolly. Playfair is the Sabres’ alumni “I owe a lot of people texts.” relations director. Over bottles of Miller Lite and some parmesan-garlic wings, Connolly sat “Nobody knew what he was doing,” Ruff recalled a few days ago. “You down for his first extended interview in at least seven years to explain never saw him around.” what happened to him, how he handled being the Ruff paused. consolation prize, his adoration of Buffalo, his fears about his concussion history and finally coming back around to the game he loves. “Do you know what he’s up to?” he asked. “How’s he doing?” “I was disconnected for a while,” said Connolly, 38, “and it may have Not even Connolly’s contemporaries are sure. dragged on too far. I guess I wasn’t happy with the way it ended, and I just wanted to get away from the game. Ryan Miller, the Vezina Trophy goaltender, lived with him in Buffalo. Miller moved into Connolly’s waterfront condo to be a daily presence “But hockey is pretty much my life and what I know. That’s why I’m back. while Connolly recovered from a concussion that lasted nearly the entire I have to do something. I’m too young to sit around.” 2006-07 season. A cool statistic accompanies Connolly’s first NHL goal. In just his second Their bond atrophied anyway. game, Connolly, at 18 years, five months and three days, became the youngest player to score on Patrick Roy. “I couldn’t even tell you,” Miller said last week of the last time they’d spoken. “Tell him to text me. I miss him.” “I have never heard that,” Connolly said, sitting suddenly upright.

Connolly vanished from hockey when he retired from the Toronto Maple Memories of the goal, though, are carved in his mind. It was Connolly’s Leafs seven years ago, injuries having raked his slick athleticism and second game, the Islanders’ 1999-00 home opener versus the Colorado calculating mind. Avalanche.

The Maple Leafs waived him in January 2013, but no NHL club wanted “I was fresh out of high school,” Connolly said. “Mark Lawrence got the his $4 million salary. At 31 years old he went to a place he’d never been, puck, coming down the left wing. He dropped it off the boards to me. I demoted to the minor leagues to satisfy his contract. was coming in behind him. I cut across the ice, made a couple fakes.

“It’s too bad how it ended for him,” former Sabres center Daniel Briere “ was on the ice. I made a quick deke on him, and he went said. “He could have done so much more if he didn’t get hurt.” sliding by me on his knees. I was outside the top of the circles, and there might have been a little goalie interference from Gino Odjick, but I was That spring, Connolly didn’t announce a retirement. The Syracuse Post- able to fire it top shelf against Patrick Roy, who was one of my favorite Standard, his hometown newspaper, couldn’t track his whereabouts or players growing up.” learn which way he was leaning. The headline called it a “secretive crossroads,” and “the latest murky point of conjecture in a career colored Connolly barely was an adult, but he was known for playing a mature all too heavily by them.” game from the time he was an adolescent. He appeared in the prestigious International Pee-Wee Tournament three times. He merely wandered off, wealthy but embittered by eroded opportunities. Two diagnosed concussions, hip surgery, two cracked vertebrae, a As a 16-year-old, one of only 31 in the Ontario Hockey League that broken rib, a leg stress fracture, a bad shoulder, assorted other injuries season, he led his peers with 30 goals and 32 assists in 59 games for the never specified, gobs of media scrutiny and zero Stanley Cups. . He played just 46 games the next season, but recorded 34 goals and 34 assists, 12th in the entire league and easily best among 17- Miller admitted he can’t say for sure because they haven’t interacted for year-olds. so long, but he has theories about Connolly’s disappearance. “There was never a question he was going to the NHL,” said Otters “There’s a mental wear and tear, a physical wear and tear,” Miller said. general manager Sherry Bassin. “Chicken Little would have to pull the “Some of these guys have paid that price, and Timmy paid a bigger price string and the sky would have to fall for him not to make it. than most, taking an impact and dealing with the fallout. “Sometimes I wonder with younger players, but he was ready. He was “Emotionally, hockey just might be triggering.” extremely adaptable.” Connolly, however, is beginning to turn up now and again. Connolly survived his first NHL training camp and not only made the Turns out he lives with his wife and 2-year-old son in suburban rebuilding Islanders’ roster, but he also finished third in scoring with 14 Rochester — a fact many of his closest ex-teammates and certainly Ruff goals and 20 assists. That included beating Martin Brodeur three times and Dominik Hasek once in addition to Roy. Still a willowy teen throughout his second season, he led all Islanders Briere called Connolly “by far” the Sabres’ top offensive-skill player of the forwards in ice time at 20:02 a game while recording 10 goals and 31 2000s and one of the three best he ever played with. assists. When it came to puck-handling, Briere put Connolly on the same level as “We were the worst team in the league,” Connolly said. “That was tough. a legend whose name is an Urban Dictionary adjective (“Datsyukian: But at 18 and 19, I was just happy to be playing in the NHL.” When your moves are so amazing beyond reason, the only way to describe them is datsyukian. Origin: From the Detroit Red Wings forward That 2000-01 season in Buffalo was volatile. The Sabres made their Pavel Datsyuk, who has the best hands and moves in all of sports”). second legitimate Stanley Cup run in three years. Bum luck stopped them one goal from the Eastern Conference finals, where they would “His skill was just exceptional,” former Sabres winger Ales Kotalik said. have faced the New Jersey Devils. The Sabres outscored the Devils 15-3 “When you had a chance to watch him every single day in practice, you in a regular-season series sweep. were stunned with the skill this guy had.

Absent from the Sabres all season was center Michael Peca, a.k.a “Fans had a chance to see it just in the games, but for us it was Captain Crunch, the perennial Selke Award candidate. Peca was a unbelievable. He was one of the most skilled guys not just that I played restricted , and Sabres management refused to pay what he with, but that I ever saw.” sought. So he rotted. A goal they still talk about in Buffalo happened in November 2005 versus Repercussions were massive. Peca might have proven the difference Toronto. that postseason, and Hasek was so aggravated about the front office’s intransigence that the six-time (and reigning) Vezina Trophy winner Connolly was zipping over the goat head logo at center ice when he took demanded a trade. an outlet pass from Teppo Numminen and skated alone over the blue line. So alone, in fact, that Connolly found himself surrounded by Toronto “I’m surprised those years they had Hasek they didn’t just build a defensemen Ken Klee and Aki Berg ahead, forwards Jeff O’Neill and powerhouse around him,” Connolly said. “He was the best player in the Darcy Tucker behind. world and at the most important position, and they played a defensive style. Connolly faked a pass at the top of the left circle, pulled the puck behind him and slid it through his own skates to himself. The move “I’m no GM, but I would have gone all-in to build a dominant, all-around dumbfounded Klee, giving Connolly a path around him and to the net. team.” Numminen trailed into the slot, but Berg slid on his stomach to deny that setup. Hasek ran out of patience; Buffalo ran out of time. At the bottom of the circle and seemingly out of options, Connolly Hands forced, the Sabres went into rebuild mode just as the Islanders showed forehand to goalie Ed Belfour and lifted a backhand shot high decided to make a push. Among the blockbuster moves Islanders GM under the cross bar for his 50th career goal. made was acquiring Peca for Connolly and left wing , three months younger and drafted three spots later than Connolly “You see some of the highlight goals and think, ‘Oh, my God! How did he in 1999. even think about doing that?’ ” Pominville said. “His creativity, his stickhandling was within the elites of the league, within the best I’ve Six days later, Hasek strongarmed his way to the Detroit Red Wings, seen. Pretty surreal.” slamming the door on a glorious hockey era in Buffalo. At a time when NHL referees allowed players to maul each other, Sabres fans were accustomed to watching their team grind out victories Connolly’s skills didn’t always translate into production. with Hasek, heart-and-soul forwards Peca, Curtis Brown and Stu Barnes, lockdown defensemen Rhett Warrener and Jay McKee and fighters such Take 2002-03, a disastrous season in which public resentment reached a as Rob Ray, Matthew Barnaby and Brad May. Even the purest offensive crescendo and Connolly’s contributions cratered. player came with a diabolical name: Miroslav Satan. “I don’t know what went wrong,” Connolly said. “Pretty much everything, I Now here was a pair of cherub-faced moppets who didn’t forecheck guess. I just felt nothing was going right and it just kept building and opponents through the boards. building.”

Connolly had heavy Western New York ties, his father having grown up Against the backdrop of federal agents arresting Sabres owner John in Kenmore and graduated from Canisius High. Even so, he was the Rigas — the man who, ultimately, refused to pay Peca — and two of his antithesis of what Buffalo fans hollered for, all fancy with his slippery sons in July 2003 for siphoning money from Adelphia Communications, dangling and whatnot. Pyatt boasted the coveted two-way size of Todd the Sabres filed for bankruptcy, were taken over by the NHL and endured Bertuzzi but never played that way. The Buffalo News called them Tiny their worst season on the ice in 17 years. Tim and Taylor Quiet. Connolly’s output perhaps was the most inadequate of any Sabres Peca, meanwhile, won his second Selke that season. Hasek won his player. He laughed at the offer to go over his stats while sitting at the Stanley Cup. Pittsford Pub.

“It was terrible,” Warrener said. “It was really tough on the fans, who were “You can look it up later,” he said. not excited to lose a guy like Pecs. He was a blood-and-guts kind of guy. Pecs was pretty revered at the time. He had 12 goals and 13 assists. His minus-28 rating placed him 887th among the 888 skaters to play in the NHL that season. “Timmy was a completely different player, a skilled guy who put up points. It was a different role, and I don’t know that the fans ever really “It seemed every time I stepped on the ice,” Connolly said, “we got got behind that.” scored on. I couldn’t figure out what to do. It was just one of those things where you constantly think, ‘Oh, my gosh. Again?’ ” Connolly also was a prickly interview subject. He viewed the media as a distraction to his craft, a recurring disruption to enjoying the rink and his Connolly tried to reset himself when that nightmare season ended. Ruff teammates. Connolly’s answers were short and delivered with minimal had emphasized getting stronger to hold off defenders better, to take on eye contact. He often came off as dismissive, creating a deeper a heavier defensive role, to make the step from a blue-chip prospect to a divergence from Peca’s role as the go-to, postgame sage. foundational player.

While the public gave Connolly little leeway, he forced defenders to Instead of evolving, Connolly’s career was knocked off its rails. respect him. There are no available replays of the collision. The preseason exhibition Connolly’s 10 goals and 35 assists were third for Buffalo behind Satan in October 2003 wasn’t televised and occurred at Blue Cross Arena, a and Barnes. Those numbers won’t put a center on the Hart Trophy ballot, Rochester venue that hosts minor-league hockey. High-definition video but this was a kid navigating the Dead Puck Era on a team that stressed scoreboards weren’t the norm. defense first. Briere several years ago recalled the moment vividly, declaring Chicago Connolly’s talent was unmistakable. Blackhawks center Scott Nichol “was just out there to end somebody’s career.” “How to explain it?” Pominville asked rhetorically, incredulously. A throwaway game became significant when Connolly took a shot in the Miller realized how important it would be for Connolly to have consistent, slot. Nichol’s shoulder or elbow detonated Connolly’s jaw. After a wobbly personal interaction. journey to the Sabres’ bench, Connolly didn’t skate in another game that season. “You could see things weighing on him and how his day-to-day life was affected by those concussions,” Miller said. “He had long stretches where Headaches plagued him for months. He couldn’t concentrate enough to you could tell it was depressing.” read. The brightness of television screens forced him to look away. A specialist in January 2007 asked Connolly about a neck MRI. Connolly Three weeks after suffering his first concussion, the Sabres took him on replied he hadn’t undergone one. a six-game, 10-day road trip so they could monitor his rehabilitation. He experienced headaches on the flight from Buffalo to Edmonton and the The scan showed a protruding disc was hitting a nerve, an alternative flight from Calgary to Vancouver. diagnosis for his anguish.

Connolly noted he at least didn’t have a headache during the flight from “I got shots in my neck to see if that’s what it was,” Connolly said. “Within Edmonton to Calgary. That’s when the Sabres decided to send him two minutes, my headaches were gone, and I felt totally normal. I should home; the team had taken a bus. not have missed even half the season.”

“I just had to be in a dark room,” Connolly said. “I tried to get out and But he missed all but the final two regular-season games because the walk around and do stuff, but for the most part you didn’t really want to recurring headaches prevented him from skating. He was woefully out of do anything. It’s the exact opposite of the way I live my life. It was not a shape. very happy time.” The Sabres won the President’s Trophy that year without him and hoped Recovery was grueling, the entire 2003-04 a washout. Then a lockout his return would help them avenge their postseason-ending calamity from vaporized the 2004-05 NHL season. Aside from 16 games in a year earlier. Switzerland, he went two years without a meaningful game. Ottawa overwhelmed Buffalo in the Eastern Conference finals and won What Connolly couldn’t have known over those two wretched years is easily in five games. Connolly in 16 playoff games had no goals but nine that sweeping NHL changes would make him one of the game’s premium assists and was a plus-6 while averaging almost 17 minutes. producers and convert Buffalo into a Stanley Cup contender. The possible misdiagnosis on Connolly’s second concussion gives him Post-lockout rules created a hockey wonderland for slick players, who no hope he won’t experience cognition issues as he gets older. longer were allowed to be hooked from behind or tackled. They had room “I see all the cases now of CTE and how bad they are,” Connolly said. “I to dazzle. mean, you can either dwell on it or just live your life. I’m going to choose Connolly turned more dangerous than he’d ever been. New York to live my life.” Rangers defenseman Darius Kasparaitis’ controversial hip check — Ruff His former teammates are concerned. Connolly said he has been called it dirty — sent him to injured reserve with a partially torn knee diagnosed with only the two concussions, but conceded he’s unsure if he ligament, but Connolly was otherwise unstoppable in 2005-06. might have had others before he reached the NHL.

In 63 regular-season games, he scored 16 goals and added 39 assists. Regardless, the darkness that enveloped him during those two The Hockey News edition that projected Olympic rosters put Connolly on concussions was chilling even at a time when substantially less was its cover. He was Buffalo’s nominee for the Masterton Trophy for known about the long-term affects of repeated head trauma. perseverance and dedication to hockey. “I look back on it and I worry about how hard some of the players were “He brought us over the edge when he was part of our lineup,” Briere getting hit,” Ruff said. “You only see a few of those checks now, but back said. then, almost every game there was one or two of those.

Connolly was Buffalo’s hottest player in the postseason, his first “Vaclav Varada was running someone over every night. You wonder how experience in the tournament. In the opening round, he amassed three hurt that player’s going to be.” goals, including a winner, and five assists to expel the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. Connolly’s concussion history made his disappearance in recent years more disconcerting for many who know him. The series opener against the top-seeded Ottawa Senators is one of the greatest games in Sabres playoff history, and Connolly was the hero. He Estranged mates contemplate how he’s coping, whether he’s content. scored a short-handed goal in the second period and contributed the lone “You’re scared for him, for sure,” Miller said. “You don’t want him to be in assist on Derek Roy’s short-handed goal in the third. that boat like (Marc) Savard or (Johan) Franzen, who can’t even function Eleven seconds until the end of the third period, Connolly struck to force right now because he has so many problems. overtime, where the Sabres won 7-6. “It’s something that happened in a hockey game, and you hope it just “You knew he was the guy who would always make a play,” Kotalik said. gets better over time, but sometimes it doesn’t. It’s a scary realization for “If you were patient and trusted him, then his confidence went way up. a lot of us.” He knew the team counted on his playmaking.” Connolly already is haunted by a concussion consequence that never will Then the lights went out again. go away.

This hit was clean. Senators winger Peter Schaefer, with just 200 penalty He lied when he returned to KeyBank Center for 2000s night and was minutes in his nine-season NHL career, leveled Connolly with a neutral- asked about it. Diplomacy seemed prudent at the time. zone check in the second period of Game 2. Connolly had the puck, but Maybe it was the third Miller Lite talking, or perhaps he felt more his head was down. Schaefer led with his shoulder. comfortable in a restaurant booth than in front of the cameras and Connolly’s postseason was done. The Sabres ousted the Senators in five microphones once more, but he does think that second head injury games, but succumbed to an absurd rash of defenseman injuries in prevented Buffalo from winning its first Stanley Cup. Game 7 against the Carolina Hurricanes. “There are two ways to look at it,” Connolly said. “One is the way I have Afflicted for months by more headaches and other unsettling symptoms, answered it: ‘Woulda, shoulda, coulda. What’s the point of looking back Connolly’s recovery lasted far into the 2006-07 season. now and dwelling on it? The guys made a great run and came up one goal shy of the Stanley Cup finals.’ “Headaches kept getting worse up the back of my head,” said Connolly, tapping his neck from near the right ear up to his crown. “The other way to answer what I really believe: Yes, I would have made a difference. Is that proper for me to say? I don’t know.” The Sabres feared he could miss another full season like he did after the Nichol concussion. Connolly said failing to win a Stanley Cup is the omission on his resume. He can handle not making the 2006 Olympic team or not accumulating Miller at the time needed a temporary place to stay until his new house personal hardware. A championship is his nagging regret. was ready and moved in with Connolly. A brief stay grew extended once “He could have made a tremendous difference for our team,” Ruff said. “I was put in a position I didn’t really care for,” Connolly said, “third-line “You take a player like that out of your lineup … He could have been the left wing.” difference-maker for us. Tim was good at setting up that one good chance or finishing off that one good chance when needed.” A lockout erased half of the 2012-13 season. Randy Carlyle, the Leafs’ new coach, didn’t believe Connolly had much to offer. Connolly was Connolly’s love for Buffalo probably cost him a later Stanley Cup. dispatched to their American Hockey League affiliate, skating out the remainder of his contract. He revealed a trade was in place at the 2009 deadline to send him to Chicago, which insisted on a one-year contract extension so that he He discussed retirement with his father. His girlfriend, Jeanne DePartout, wouldn’t become a free agent that summer. Instead, Connolly negotiated whom he had dated back in suburban Syracuse and reunited with after a two-year extension to stay in Buffalo. he signed with Toronto, was supportive either way.

Chicago won the 2010 Stanley Cup. Connolly informed agent J.P. Barry not to bother trying to find him another team. He likely would have earned his name’s engraving on the hallow trophy because post-lockout Connolly was magical. From 2005-06 through “I played because I loved it until it became a job,” Connolly said. “Then it 2009-10, he was among the NHL’s top producers. was time to go.

Among those who played at least 200 games over that span, Connolly “It becomes a job with the accumulation of years and training and ranked 38th at 0.89 points per game. physical therapy and trying to do physio while you’re training over the summer. After 14 years of that, my body’d had enough. I just decided “When he was dialed in,” Miller said, “he was a big part of the team. that was it for me.” When he was healthy and feeling good about himself, you were feeling pretty good about your chances.” So Connolly, who had skipped right from juniors to the NHL, played his final pro game in the minors, evaporated from the public eye and, Connolly also became one of Ruff’s most reliable penalty killers and a apparently, didn’t return many texts. player who could gravitate to any line at center or the wing. What did he do the past seven years? Aside from golfing, traveling with “Tim had everything,” Ruff said. “I recall conversations I had with him Jeanne and starting a family together, not a whole lot. about the game. He’d be deep in thought. His knowledge of the game was real good. He understood.” “I thought it would be fun in the sun, get to travel around and not sit in a hotel room, go to all these fun places, tour Europe,” Connolly said. “I did Ruff’s lone criticism of Connolly — aside from not having a grown-man’s all that stuff, but now what do you do?” body upon arriving in 2001 — was a reluctance to shoot. He thought his house on Skaneateles Lake would be a superb retirement Connolly knows he should have shot more, but he simply wasn’t wired spot, but they got bored there. The Connollys moved to Florida, but that that way. He loved to set up his teammates for better chances. didn’t feel like home, either. They decided upon suburban Rochester He is one of just 33 players in NHL history to have scored at least 55 because it splits their Syracuse and Buffalo affections, and he long has points while shooting under 100 times. He did so over 63 games in 2005- been an Oak Hill Country Club member. 06. Only 14 of those players scored more than Connolly’s 16 goals. Connolly took up coaching peewees two seasons ago as a favor to “Incredible,” Ruff mumbled at the stat. Lorentz.

Martin Biron, the former Sabres backup goaltender, marvels at how “Coaching 12-year-olds is harder than playing a game,” Connolly said. mystifying Connolly’s shot was in practice. “I’m more exhausted because the adrenaline is flowing the entire time and you can’t control the outcome. Linemates did not mind Connolly’s pass-first approach as much as Ruff did. “I played long enough and made a decent living to where there’s no pressure to do anything else, really. Getting through this season is what “As a winger who liked to shoot and get into soft areas and find scoring I’m focused on right now. I’ve always just lived day to day, really.” position,” Pominville said, “you couldn’t ask for a better linemate to play with. If he has a chance to shoot or pass, most likely he’s going to pass He made somewhere around $30 million, but didn’t attain the career it.” heights many were envisioning before he needed to shave.

Said Kotalik: “I just had to find a spot, and he would find me with the “People always wanted him to do more,” Miller said. “Somebody could puck. The time I played with him was the most fun I ever had in the NHL.” always do more. I could have butterflied three-tenths of a second earlier and overtime would have continued in the gold-medal game, but it didn’t Those who enjoyed watching Connolly ponder how much his career happen. trajectory would have changed had he come along five years later, when the NHL implemented rules and philosophies that tempered goonery and “There’s always something more you could have done. I thought Timmy emphasized offensive conjurers. was always trying to do his best. That’s where the respect lies, with what he was able to create and help produce and contribute to great teams in “If Timmy Connolly is drafted 10 years later,” Warrener said, “he’s still Buffalo. playing and putting up 100 points a year.” “It’s unfortunate it takes so many years to gain the altitude to have the Connolly badly wanted to remain with the Sabres when his contract was perspective.” up in 2011. He said he offered to return for one year at $2.5 million although he knew he would command many times that on the open Miller was referring to fans and media needing so much time to put market. Connolly’s career in proper context. When it comes to Connolly needing years to process the end of a career, Miller is empathetic. “They said no,” Connolly said. “They went out and spent on Ville Leino and whoever else they got.” The Anaheim Ducks backup goalie is 39 years old and the last member of those back-to-back Eastern Conference finals teams still playing in the Toronto, having whiffed on signing center Brad Richards, targeted NHL. He’s unsure how he’ll handle leaving the game. Granted, Miller has Connolly next with a two-year contract worth $9 million. Interest was squeezed more out of his system than most, but he can forgive Connolly mutual given Toronto’s desire to have him center its top line. for needing to get lost for a few years.

The decision looked sensational at the start. Connolly had 12 points in as “I got kind of distant, away from the game,” Connolly said. “I started living many games. He posted six goals and nine assists through 18 games, my life outside the game. seven goals and 15 assists through 28 games. “But it is good to reconnect, and I still have to text Ryan Miller back. It’s But a couple of injuries cost him the top-line job, and he never got it back. been a while.” Leafs coach Ron Wilson moved Tyler Bozak between wingers Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Connolly’s power-play time dwindled. The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180634 Buffalo Sabres “With me playing center he ends up playing low a lot and takes a lot of responsibility as well,” Johansson said. “He’s so good on both sides of the puck, I find, and it’s fun to watch when he gets the puck. He makes Sabres’ Olofsson-Johansson-Kahun line focuses on role rather than things happen.” position Through six games together on the roster, the trio have played 21:55 together at 5-on-5. Via NaturalStatTrick.com, they’ve been on ice for 18 shot attempts and had 21 against them (46.2% CorsiFor) but they’ve put By Joe Yerdon Mar 12, 2020 together eight scoring chances versus nine against and outscored opponents 2-0. They’ve struggled a bit on preventing shot attempts,

particularly against Washington (29.4 CF%) but all lines did. Via the eye It’s only been a few games and practices, but watching Dominik Kahun, test they play with more creativity and offensive skill than other Marcus Johansson, and Victor Olofsson work together triggered a secondary lines that have been put together this season. Being able to concept I’ve read about before: The idea of hockey players playing change looks is something that may lead to the defensive issues, but without a defined position. being creative to confuse opponents and render their video pre-scouting moot can pay off. It’s one Ryan Stimson discussed in his book Tape to Space: Redefining Modern Hockey Tactics. One of the ideas was to put the five best players “If it doesn’t work we have to figure out something else,” Kahun said. “We regardless of position and allow them to play as a whole circling unit have good enough players to do that, but I think the main thing is to work together to possess the puck, create chances at will, and ideally score a hard, to try to outwork the opponent and then we should be good.” ton of goals. The Sabres have needed a secondary scoring line all season and it was The NHL is a long way from having a coach who would go to those even more necessary after the line of Jeff Skinner, Jack Eichel, and Sam lengths, but doing so with the forward group is something Ralph Krueger Reinhart was reunited before the game against Philadelphia Saturday. If has done by both necessity (lack of center depth) and through his own putting Olofsson-Johansson-Kahun together is a way to get a look at offensive schemes this season. something to carry into next season, that’s fine. If it opens the door to being more creative with line assembly then it’s a very good development “Our general full play is not positionally focused, it’s role focused,” for unlocking new ways to develop offense. Krueger said. “You can end up in the frontal forecheck situation as quickly as you can be the first guy back taking care of the D-zone with “They have a movement in their game that’s really interesting,” Krueger the defensemen and we interchange all the time. That’s part of the way said. “They’re not very linear and they’re finding the spaces, though, with we play. It’s supposed to give the players an opportunity to just continue some east-west movement which gives them a completely different look to move and continue to play and keep the team speed if we’re than Jack, Sam, and Jeff can give us. (With) Jeff and Jack, the attack is connected. If we get disconnected, we run into trouble and we feel weak much more linear and much more net-attacking, where as the three of defensively and also in the offense. It’s really a lot to do with our core them right now have that east-west movement in their game and it makes system is that thinking and they’re just using that opportunity really well.” them difficult to defend against, too.”

We discussed earlier in the season how wingers were a bit fluid lining up The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 on the left or right side and whether they had a preference. With Olofsson, Johansson, and Kahun, the idea is that they’re rolling with a center in name (Johansson) who takes draws, but how they play is far from the normal bubble hockey style of holding a position on the ice and staying there.

“We are all lefties, it kind of doesn’t really matter where we end up,” Olofsson said. “So we’re not just driving down our lane, we’re doing some crossing. It’s hard for the defender sometimes, too. They don’t really know where we’re going to be all the time.”

Olofsson has been a left wing throughout his Sabres career but he’s very often on the right side during the power play. Giving him a space to tee up his incredible shot there makes sense, although being able to change up where he goes when it’s 5-on-5 would provide an opportunity to free him up to let it loose more often. Kahun has shown a creative knack to set others up and Johansson’s vision for passes is very good.

VIC OLOFFSON WITH A , GREAT PLAY BY DAHLIN 1-0 #SABRES50 #ALLCAPS PIC.TWITTER.COM/DFYCYDHPQF

— BUFFALO HOCKEY MOMENTS (@SABRESPLAYS) MARCH 9, 2020

90 –> 68–> 95 KAHUN TIES IT UP AT 1-1 #SABRES50 #NOWORNEVER PIC.TWITTER.COM/QPM9GUDPIN

— BUFFALO HOCKEY MOMENTS (@SABRESPLAYS) MARCH 8, 2020

“We’re all about creating different lanes and different layers in the attack and they really fill for each other,” Krueger said. “One clears the lane, the other fills the lane; the other clears the layer, the other one fills the layer and it’s just happening really naturally. May that again be confirmed — we’d love to see that growth — because you can imagine the offensive opportunity that’ll come out of that synergy if they can keep it up.”

Johansson and Kahun offer a different type of interchangeability with their history of playing the wing or center. Johansson showed in a handful of games he’s more comfortable along the wing and is able to push play from there and free himself for shot opportunities. Kahun hasn’t been a center in the NHL but played there in Germany. Having the knowledge to play the position but not having the same defensive responsibilities has allowed him to provide an offensive spark. 1180635 Calgary Flames There are so many questions. What will determine when the season resumes again? Are the players allowed to skate with teammates? Are they allowed to skate on their own? What are the implications and 'Stay tuned': Flames season on pause after NHL suspends play due to regulations for players to maintain their conditioning/fitness? #NHL coronavirus #covidYYC

— Kristen Anderson (@KdotAnderson) March 12, 2020

Sammy Hudes The National League also announced it would suspend its season on Thursday, following the lead of the NBA a day earlier.

The NLL’s also play out of the Saddledome. So, The Calgary Flames’ season is on hold after the NHL announced it would too, do the of the , which has suspend play due to the ongoing global outbreak of the novel also paused its season. coronavirus. Bean said CSEC, which also owns the Hitmen and Roughnecks, was In a statement, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the decision was working through “a number of HR issues” surrounding compensation for made following consultation with medical experts and a conference call employees affected by the loss of games. with the league’s board of governors on Thursday morning. “They’re very good questions and we’re working on those now,” he said. “Following (Wednesday) night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus — and given that our leagues share so many “We’ve already communicated to our staff in terms of what’s happening facilities and locker-rooms and it now seems likely that some members of in the next four days and then we’ve got to work on a number of answers the NHL community would test positive at some point — it is no longer to some of those questions before we come back out with an answer.” appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time,” he said. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball announced Thursday it would delay The pause on NHL action begins immediately. The Flames had been the start of its season. Major League Soccer has suspended its own scheduled to face-off against the New York Islanders at the Scotiabank season for 30 days. Saddledome on Thursday evening. The , of which Calgary’s Cavalry FC is one of It’s one of 12 remaining games in the 2019-20 Flames season, eight of seven clubs, said it has established a committee to determine its next which are at home. The Flames also have four remaining road games. steps. The CPL season is set to begin April 11.

The @NHL pauses 2019-20 season. https://t.co/WMePei4clH NHL pause means many ‘stand to lose’ pic.twitter.com/W5Hqmk3kX7 The decision to halt NHL action would have a trickle-down effect, from — NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2020 ownership to arena vendors, according to Concordia University sports economist Moshe Lander. Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving said the organization is in “full support” of the NHL’s decision. He said businesses, such as 17th Avenue and Stephen Avenue bars and restaurants, would also take a hit due to a lack of Flames action for the He said the situation surrounding the NHL’s response to the coronavirus foreseeable future. “moved fast,” accelerated by the revelation on Wednesday that National Basketball Association player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. “I think there’s a lot of people that stand to lose here,” Lander said.

“With what’s transpiring . . . I don’t think there was any other decision we He called it the right move: “No one’s going to be forgiving if somebody could have made,” Treliving told media at a news conference on comes into the Saddledome and spreads (the virus) to 500 people.” Thursday. With the Calgary Stampede around the corner, hotels and other tourism- “We’re hopeful in the next 24 hours to get some guidance from the NHL reliant businesses might feel the pinch should the outbreak, deemed a about the next steps. Obviously, we’re going to be down for a bit. We’re pandemic by the World Health Organization, still be an issue by not going to be playing games.” summertime.

So far, no Flames players or staff have been tested for coronavirus. “It’s something that they have to be watching extremely nervously Treliving said there are “a lot of questions we don’t have answers to at because they’re using the same grounds that the Flames would be this time.” using,” Lander said.

“It’s really, ‘stay tuned,’ ” he said. “It’s, top-to-bottom, going to really hit everybody hard.”

Flames to provide clarity about ticket refunds Calgary Herald: LOADED: 03.13.2020

While it’s unclear how long the NHL season will be on hold, the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp., which owns the Flames, identified only the home games against the Islanders on Thursday and the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday as those that will not take place as originally scheduled.

CSEC president and CEO John Bean said staff were in the process of developing answers to a list of frequently asked questions for fans. That list will be posted to the team’s website.

He said it would address “a whole litany of questions” including those pertaining to ticket refunds.

Minutes before the update from the Flames, ’s top doctor announced an indefinite ban on public gatherings of 250 people or more.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said the “aggressive new measures” prohibit major sporting events and concerts in the province.

Bettman said the league would continue to monitor medical advice and encourage its players and staff to take precautions, including self- quarantining if necessary.

“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,” Bettman said. 1180636 Calgary Flames crosscheck to the head. But in a moment that Riley Morris would like to forget, the Cougar goalie skated to the boards to his left to play the puck and whiffed at it, giving Coda Gordon a wide open net and the game was Another rousing Crowchild Classic at the Dome tied.

Oh, and the Dinos killed off the five minutes to boot.

Rita Mingo • For the Calgary Herald This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

A laser from the slot by Sean Richards with 4:25 remaining once again established a Cougar lead and time was running out. But, in keeping with Standings and rankings be damned. the craziness, Kaden Elder roofed one with 16.2 seconds left after a mad scramble in front of the Cougar goal and overtime ensued. When it comes to the Crowchild Classic, no matter the records or the hot team. On this night, with the habitual large crowd at the Scotiabank “It’s obviously not what we were expecting,” said Lindgren. “Credit to Saddledome and the extra focus on Canada West men’s hockey, it’s them, it was awesome pushback. It’s just a matter of being prepared for anybody’s game every year. these moments. Take a couple of deep breaths and keep pushing. It’s a great feeling to overcome that adversity. Hence, the 4-4 record in eight Classics. “It’s a game that everyone has circled on their calendar at the beginning The came into the game rated seventh in the nation after of the year.” sweeping the previously second-ranked team Alberta this past weekend. But when it comes to this showcase for city supremacy, everything goes Calgary Herald: LOADED: 03.13.2020 out the window.

After losing the last four Classics, the Mount Royal Cougars got a goal from Ryley Lindgren in 3-on-3 overtime, posting a thoroughly entertaining 5-4 victory. It was also the fourth to require an extra period.

“We haven’t had luck in the Crowchild Classic the last couple of years,” admitted Lindgren. “At the end of the day, to come out with that win, it’s great for our group.”

“It’s such a different energy,” noted Cougars’ head coach Bert Gilling. “The crowd is fantastic. The students for both sides are unbelievable. The environment is awesome. There’s so much energy and what happens is the momentum swings almost get exaggerated. It’s really hard to manage the swings but our guys persevered. All they could do was dig in and find a way to win.”

The men’s game, for the first time in Classic history, was the opener, handing the evening slot to the women. That tilt saw the Dinos score twice in the third for a 4-1 triumph over the Cougars. The eventual winner was scored by Elizabeth Lang, Calgary coming into the game tied for second spot in Canada West.

Final attendance on the night was 10,002 – a record crowd for women’s hockey.

The men’s victory keeps them one point behind Calgary, in third spot in the conference standings.

“All you’re trying to do is control your own fate,” added Gilling. “If we win (Friday against the Dinos at Father David Bauer), we can leapfrog.”

The sound you kept hearing in the first period was the puck going off a Mount Royal piece of equipment as the Cougars blocked everything coming their way. In fact, the Dinos enjoyed three power plays over the first 20 minutes, but were outshot 9-6.

Brodan Salmond was the busier of the goalies. The first-year from Calgary was making his fourth straight start in the Dinos’ net, called into action due to an injury to No. 1 guy Matthew Greenfield.

The Cougars took advantage of a power play of their own to start the second period. At the 1:57 mark, after a shot by Jesse Lees knocked the stick out of Salmond’s hand, Chris Gerrie shot the puck into the open side. Less than four minutes later, Hunter Zandee streaked in unimpeded on Salmond and beat him to give the Cougars a two-goal lead. It was 3-0 at 14:04 when an Allan MacPherson’s shot was redirected into the Dinos’ net.

“The first two periods made the difference,” summed up Calgary head man Mark Howell. “They dictated play. Give our guys credit. I thought they showed a lot of character in the third period. We just can’t play the first two periods like that. It’s a game with a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm.”

After squandering five previous extra-man opportunities, the Calgary special teams finally bore fruit in the third. Just 36 seconds in, Mitch Cook tallied, followed two and a half minutes later by James Shearer, also on the PP.

The tide appeared to turn in the Cougars’ favour after Calgary defender Sahvan Khaira took a five-minute major and game misconduct for a 1180637 Calgary Flames

COVID-19 concerns hit home for Flames CEO and president John Bean

Kristen Anderson, Postmedia

John Bean is the president and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation.

He is also the father of American Hockey League defenceman and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jake Bean, who is currently situated in Charlotte, N.C., where the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate plays.

So, naturally, there are worries surrounding COVID-19 and the way things have transpired in the professional hockey world — and around the globe — in the past few days.

“I’m like any parent,” Bean said. “I’m obviously concerned for my kids. Jake and I were talking (Wednesday) night as a matter of fact and finding out what he knows and what I know. What I know and what I can tell my son are sometimes different given my role.

“I think we all just have to take a deep breath and understand what it is we’re all facing.”

The spread of the virus has halted many professional sports organizations, including the NHL and the AHL, along with other hockey leagues. But it has also forced leagues to take precautionary measures in how they interact with fans.

“Autographs are interesting, right?” Bean said. “But there is a connectivity there. Fans are really important in the business, but I think you have to take a step back and look at the health and safety of all of us.

“And I’m talking about all citizens here. This is well beyond the sport of hockey we’re dealing with.”

Bean said that his son is grounded, for the moment, in North Carolina.

“He’s not coming home — and I have a daughter in New York that isn’t coming home because she works there,” Bean said. “So you’ve gotta look after your family. And everyone has to look after each other.

“The messaging … wash your hands. What they’re putting out there on Alberta Health Services is really important in being informed. We can manage it. We just have to follow the right steps.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180638 Calgary Flames Treliving reported that no staffers or players had undergone testing for COVID-19.

“Unless you have symptoms or you’ve travelled from an infected area or More questions than answers about NHL's approach to COVID-19: 'It you’ve been in a high-risk situation …” Treliving said. “We’ve had players moved fast' that have dealt with the regular flu bug throughout the year. But, at this time, we’ve had nobody tested nor have confirmed with the virus.”

Kristen Anderson, Postmedia The Flames’ American Hockey League affiliate based in Northern California, the , are also under the same holding pattern and work stoppage.

At this point, there are more questions than answers in the wake of “We don’t know — we don’t know what (Friday) looks like or when we Thursday’s decision by the National Hockey League to pause the 2019- may be back going or how the regular season will finish or anything of 20 regular season as concerns of COVID-19 continue to spread. that nature,” Treliving said. “Those are the things we don’t have answers to today.” It was supposed to be a normal game day on Thursday for the Calgary Flames — a 10:30 a.m. morning skate, a 7 p.m. puck-drop against the This is the latest challenge in a season full of roadblocks for the Flames. New York Islanders, Game No. 71 of the schedule … Starting with an off-season injury to their prize blueline prospect, Juuso But, instead, Flames general manager Brad Treliving began calling his Valimaki, the team struggled to start 2019-20. After that, frighteningly, TJ players before they arrived at to tell them to stay Brodie collapsed at practice in November and started convulsing. away from the rink. Then-head coach Bill Peters became the subject of racial allegations “We’re not immune to things going on in society,” Treliving explained from a former player, Akim Aliu, when Peters was coaching in the minors, during a late afternoon media conference in a mostly vacant building. “It and that started a movement in the NHL, questioning coaching was a talking point for the last few days, potentially what could happen. philosophies. The incident resulted in Peters’ resignation and associate Lots of questions. Very understanding, the ones I talked to, that this was coach Geoff Ward assumed control of the Flames bench. the correct move. So not a lot of shock but certainly questions about ‘What next?’” More dramatics came after the all-star break when captain Mark Giordano suffered a hamstring injury which kept him sidelined for seven That part, it seems, no one knows. games in February.

Not even Treliving. Then, home-ice woes.

There is no current timeline for the work stoppage, which began Now, this. immediately with Thursday’s slate of games. There are questions surrounding the remainder of the regular season. There are questions According to Treliving, however, this situation goes beyond hockey. surrounding the Stanley Cup playoffs. There are questions around what “This is different,” the GM said. “This is bigger than our sport, our game, is next for players, regulations on training, rules about skating or all those things … and there’s so many people affected by it. You’re gathering for their own individual practices. worried by just ‘Let’s make sure everybody’s OK.’ Lets take the proper Early Thursday morning, Treliving contacted players individually and told steps, and in the right amount of time, we’ll reboot and figure out how them to stay home — at home in Calgary — and were advised by the and when we get back and going. To me, this is a little different from NHL through a statement from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to “take some of the stuff we’ve gone through throughout the year.” all reasonable precautions — including self-quarantine, where Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.13.2020 appropriate.”

“Obviously, we’re going to be down for a bit,” Treliving said. We’re not going to be playing games, but what else can we do in terms of players training, players skating? Those are the immediate questions that they have, we have, everybody has. We have to address that. We’ve been sitting here all day making a laundry list … are they going to have access to the dressing room? Are they going to have access to the ice?

“My expectation is to get some guidance from the league in the next 24 hours.”

The pressure was on the NHL to make a decision on Wednesday after the National Basketball Association suspended its season when Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the COVID-19. There is widespread concern as some NBA teams share facilities with NHL teams, and it is possible an NHL player, staff member, media or arena worker could have been infected, although no player in the NHL had reported positive results as of Thursday evening.

Earlier in the week, Treliving explained that the Flames and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation were taking “precautionary measures.”

By Friday morning, the building was expected to be closed for the interim.

“It moved fast,” Treliving said. “We’re probably no different than you. There were contingency plans really at the governor level, the president level that John (Bean) had taken part in conference calls and having plans for potential outcomes. It probably wasn’t until last night, and we all saw the situation in the NBA, that things really sped up probably for lack of a better word. Over the course of the last probably week to 10 days, we had some contingency plans hoping you don’t get to the day where we got to today.

“Really with what’s transpiring and what’s going on, I don’t think there was any other decision to be made.” 1180639 Calgary Flames “The human body and the human brain are an amazing thing, and Ken was totally focused on delivering a new event centre to the city,” Bean said. “So he was integral right up to the date that we signed all those Ken King remembered at Saddledome as ‘larger-than-life personality’ documents. and commanding presence “It was one of those projects for him that he was so passionate about — you all know that — and he saw it through.”

Wes Gilbertson Added Murray Edwards, chairman and co-owner of CSEC, in a statement: “His leadership and passion was exhibited every day in his successful delivery of the new Calgary event centre. He was a trusted confidant to all of the Flames owners, both past and present, and we all At a podium or meeting table, Ken King had a way with words. learned so much from him. My partners and I will miss our frequent On a golf course, he had a way with numbers. conversations with our dear friend.”

And as Flames general manager Brad Treliving learned even before The condolences poured in after the Flames announced the passing. being hired at the Saddledome, the longtime president and CEO of Former prime minister Stephen Harper called King a “passionate Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) sometimes had a Canadian (and) champion of our national sport and of the Flames” and unique way of greeting his friends. added he “leaves behind an incredible legacy in the city of Calgary and The Flames are now mourning King’s death. He was 68. Alberta.”

“My first interview with him, I came in and to went to shake his hand and Also on Twitter, Premier Jason Kenney wrote: “It has hard to imagine a he drilled me in the side of my arm and almost knocked my arm off,” more enthusiastic booster of the Calgary community, a role he played as Treliving recalled during Thursday’s double-whammy press conference business leader, volunteer & CEO of the @NHLFlames.” — with news of both King’s passing and the NHL season being paused Brian Burke, who worked for King as Calgary’s president of hockey due to the coronavirus pandemic. operations, characterized him as “a giant in our game” and a “great “And that was Ken. A larger-than-life personality.” family man and boss.”

King, who originally hailed from tiny Hanley, Sask., and was a pillar of the At Thursday’s press conference, Bean praised King’s “incredible sense of community in Calgary for the past several decades, had been quietly what was right and what was wrong.” battling cancer. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughters Amanda Which means that, yes, you could count on him to be honest when he and Jocelin and his four adoring grandchildren, plus countless friends counted the birdies and bogeys at the end of a round. and colleagues. “I took money from him, absolutely, and I was proud to do it,” Bean “He taught all of us so much through his words and actions,” said current smiled, pointing to the sky. “And he knows it.” CSEC president John Bean.”An organization never replaces a person like Ken. You simply honour him by going forward with the same passion Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.13.2020 and energy that he brought to work each and every day.”

Those teachings, Bean told reporters at the Saddledome, were not limited to the office.

“To say that I learned a ton from Ken would be a gross understatement, including how to bet on a golf course,” Bean said. “He had an unbelievable drive on every aspect that he undertook … He was a large man with stature, almost larger than life, and he commanded the room whenever he walked in. With that energy, he tackled so many things. So I think that’s really what we’re left with — this large energy and a commitment to the city.

“And I do joke about the golf, but anytime you played golf with Ken, he had the scorecard and it took scientists to figure out all the dollars that changed hands at the end of the day. And he took that same passion to the golf course that he had in everything else he did.”

Treliving, too, spoke of King’s leadership and ability to captivate a crowd of any size.

“What I always found with Ken is there was great wisdom,” Treliving said. “One of the things that I always admired about him is he was a wonderful, wonderful public speaker. I called him a few times on some of the words that he used — I said, ‘That’s not even a word!’ And he would go and pull it up and show me that it was a word.

“So a man of great presence, and he was a foxhole guy. When bleep was rolling downhill, he was a guy that you’d want to be in the foxhole with.”

A former newspaper publisher for both the Calgary Sun (1988-96) and Calgary Herald (1996-99), King joined the Flames as president in 2001. He was most recently vice-chair for CSEC, also parent company for the Western Hockey League’s Hitmen, League’s Stampeders and ’s Roughnecks.

He also served on a long list of community boards and was a past chairman of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

King led the Flames out of attendance struggles early in his tenure and was proudly at the helm for a lengthy sellout streak at the Saddledome.

Despite his illness, he played a key role in securing a deal for a new downtown arena. 1180640 Calgary Flames as the CEO. He called me and said, ‘Would you ever want to sign up with me for a while?’ And I said, ‘Sure, I’ll come in and we’ll either fix it and I’ll do less, or we won’t be able to fix it and it’ll go away — and then I’ll do a ‘An explosive personality’: Remembering former Flames president and lot less.’ CEO Ken King “So, we started working together — and the hours we put in, I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Probably the only guy who put in more hours was Rollie Cyr (VP sales, ticket operations and customer service). From those days By Eric Duhatschek Mar 12, 2020 in 2001 until now, there weren’t many mornings when the son of a gun wouldn’t call me at 5 a.m. and we’d pontificate about things.

“Over that period of time, I had a great relationship with him on a Just this past Monday, during a luncheon to celebrate the Flames’ 40th business perspective and an even better relationship on a personal anniversary in Calgary, I got into a conversation with one of the team’s perspective. We talked about philosophy and hockey and life and lots of original players, Jim Peplinski, about Ken King, the former president and different things. Look, nobody’s perfect, but I will tell you this: Ken would CEO of the NHL organization. King passed away Thursday at the age of cut his right arm off to help people — and there is no one that he wouldn’t 68 after a six-year battle with lung cancer. try to lend a hand to. And I mean, no one.” Peplinski was on the first-ever Calgary Flames team, making the 1980-81 Peplinski described King as “an original thinker, someone who was squad as a rookie, and then played until the team won the Stanley Cup in unique in a lot of ways. The non-business conversations we had, the 1989. advice he gave me — lots of it was unsolicited — was very valuable. One During his early life after hockey, Peplinski became friends with King, time, early on, we were at an event and someone came up to me and then the publisher of the Calgary Herald, who sneaked him a key to the gave me a nice compliment and I said, ‘Listen, yeah, it was no big deal.’ Herald’s health club, where the two would ride exercise bikes, side by Then the person left and Ken said, ‘You’re never doing that again.’ He side, exchanging all manner of ideas. said, ‘That’s false modesty.’ All you have to do is say, ‘Thank you very much.’ He said, ‘Take the goddamn compliment.’ When King left the newspaper business to become the Flames’ president and CEO in 2001, he approached Peplinski and asked if he wanted to “We used to come up with titles of books that we would never write. His come along for the ride. Peplinski did — and so for most of the two favourite was: ‘Absence of Magic.’ His point was: It doesn’t have to be decades that King ran the Flames, Peplinski acted as the team’s vice that complicated to work things out.” president of business development. King came up on the sales side, not the editorial side, of the newspaper The two became fast friends and Peplinski was one of very few people industry, but in his final years, he became interested in doing a memoir. King had confided in about his cancer diagnosis. “About a month ago, Ken called me up and said, ‘Get me some dictation But 72 hours ago, we were talking about King and how, knowing that his software.’ He said, ‘I’m going to start writing down the things you told me time was running out, he had started to frame his life story in an I should write down.’ He was thinking about different ways of recalling his absolutely fascinating manner — telling the tale through the prism of the life, without being melancholy about it. He said, ‘Wouldn’t that be a cool cars that he’d owned. Peplinski is in the car business himself and way of telling your life story — through the cars that you owned?'” believes the vehicle his old mentor remembered most fondly was an old King shared with Peplinski the story of that honeymoon trip. Chevy Vega that King and his wife Marilyn drove on a honeymoon trip destined for San Francisco that ended before they ever arrived in “They were on their way from Prince George to San Francisco, and northern California because they were running out of money. realized at some point along the way, they didn’t have enough money to get to their destination and back. So, they turned around and it was in King eventually owned far swankier cars, but according to Peplinski, that Cache Creek, he took the last shekels in his wallet and filled the car up modest Vega probably meant more to him than any other. with fuel and had enough left over to buy six beers — and they limped “Because it reminded him of Marilyn,” said Peplinski. home. I would guess his most favourite car was the one that reminded him of Marilyn — and that one was it.” Because of King’s illness, he’d stepped aside from the organization’s top job and handed the reins to John Bean. At the time of his passing, King Peplinski said he and King talked about cars through much of their officially held the title of Flames vice chair. working lives.

In a statement, Flames owner and chairman Murray Edwards praised “When General Motors first came out with an electric vehicle, he called King as “the right leader at the right time” for Calgary Sports and and asked, ‘Can you get me one of these?’ And I said, ‘Yes, but I’m not Entertainment, and credited King’s leadership for successfully negotiating going to.’ He said, ‘Why?’ I said, ‘This just isn’t going to work for you.’ So a new event centre with the city of Calgary, which is what King devoted he lost that idea. most of the final years of his working life to accomplishing. Edwards went “One time, I was driving a Mercedes SUV and I was dropping him off on to describe King as a “trusted confidante to all of the Flames’ owners, somewhere, and he asked, ‘How much is this vehicle worth?’ And I said, past and present,” and said, “My partners and I will miss our frequent ‘About 50 grand.’ He said, ‘I’ll give you 40 for it.’ I said, ‘Why don’t I just conversations with our dear friend.” give you 10 grand and you can just fuck off.’ Probably no one had more frequent conversations with King than “Another time, I had this Porsche that came back to us at the dealership Peplinski, who said he started practically every day with a 5 a.m. phone one time and he said, ‘Let me drive that thing.’ So, we go into the parking call from the team president. lot at the Saddledome and he starts going around in circles, and I said, According to Peplinski, it was their discussions in the gym at the ‘You are a nutcase. I’m not going to allow you to drive another car in my newspaper that convinced him King would be the right choice to lead the life. You shouldn’t be allowed to drive on the road.'” Flames through the early 2000s, when the solvency of the franchise was Peplinski was laughing as he retold those tales. at issue, in part because of the slumping Canadian dollar. “I mean, the stories about Ken are legendary.” The NHL also hadn’t yet negotiated a salary cap with the players association at that point and two teams — the and the On the day we spoke, Peplinski and a number of King’s friends in the Winnipeg Jets — had already relocated from Canada to the United Flames’ organization were gathering to raise a celebratory glass in his States. memory. Peplinski understood that there was a side of King’s personality — the hard-edged, business side — that did rub some people the wrong Calgary survived, but not until the team could get a sustainable business way. He was a tough negotiator and understood that the business world model in place. obliged people to make hard choices and decisions. “When the Flames were going through those trials and tribulations, I According to Peplinski, much of King’s view of the world was developed became of the view that he would be a really good guy to lead an NHL through the lens of the newspaper business. team,” said Peplinski. “He had vision, energy, passion. He’s confident. Things fast-forwarded and over the next seven or eight years, when things didn’t go the way the Flames’ organization liked, he found himself “When he first came into the Flames, he would say, ‘How do you sell “Even when, as he described it, ‘his little friend came back,’ he told the newspapers? One copy at a time. How do you sell hockey seats? One at management team, but said he didn’t want it broadcast,” said Peplinski. a time.’ As far as messaging went, he would have done a great job as a “He wasn’t looking for any sympathy. speechwriter. He had a great command of the English language, but he had a little of Conrad Black in him. A lot of times, if someone used a word “I was with him about three weeks ago and he said, ‘What I’m looking incorrectly, he would get challenged. Sometimes, the words Ken would forward to now is spending time with the people who are most important use — I didn’t even know what they meant. to me.’ Everything else has lost its importance. I understand that lots of people had courageous battles with cancer — but Ken gets a medal in “As far as social media goes, he realized the communication world had that category. Right until the end, he didn’t want to give up, even though changed since his newspaper days and it was important to have a he knew he was losing the battle.” consistent message across the platforms. There weren’t many things that he wasn’t well-read on. Right up until the end, in one of the last According to Peplinski, about a year ago, he and King spoke about the conversations we had, he said, ‘Send me things that make me think.’ health challenges that lay ahead and King told him he had three priorities at that stage. He said, “One, I want to continue to love my family. Two, I “If I showed you the first rendition of the Flames’ strategic plan, it had the want to get the rink across the finish line. And three, I want to win the Flaming C in the middle, with sports on one side, communication on Stanley Cup. Those were the three things he wanted to do. another, media on a third. He had this picture of what this organization could be. It wasn’t just hockey. Hockey was the driver of all these things, “So, he got two out of the three.” but there were a bunch of other elements around it that could make for a King is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughters Amanda and Jocelin, and sustainable business.” four grandchildren.

Bean, King’s successor, described him as “an amazing friend and —The Athletic’s Scott Cruickshank contributed to this report. mentor. He taught all of us so much through his words and actions. An organization never replaces a person like Ken; you simply honour him by The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 going forward with the same passion and energy that he brought to work each and every day.”

In the end, his greatest legacy may well be finally completing a contentious negotiation for a new event centre that will eventually replace the Saddledome. King oversaw the rebuilding of the Saddledome in what was considered record time during the summer of 2013, after a devastating flood rendered it unusable. By having crews work around the clock, the building was available for the start of the 2013-14 NHL season.

Bean described the arena deal as “a journey of 14 years. I’ve been here 10 and he was at it before I even started.”

“It’s an amazing thing. The human body and the human brain are an amazing thing. Ken was totally focused on delivering a new event centre to the city. He was integral up to December whatever-date we signed all those documents and was providing unbelievable advice to all of us to get it done. It was one of those projects he was so passionate about — you all know that — and he saw it through.”

King was born and raised in Hanley, , and worked in the newspaper industry, in both Edmonton and Calgary, for over 30 years. He served on a number of different boards, including the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority and the Calgary Airport Authority, and he was previously chairman of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

All of the work King did to support charities gave him a real insight into the minds of the people he crossed paths with, said Peplinski.

“He once told me, ‘There are two kinds of philanthropists.’ The first is the person who says, ‘I want my donation to be anonymous.’ What they mean is: ‘I want you to tell everybody about what I did. I just don’t want to be the one doing the telling.’ Then there’s the second person, who genuinely wants the donation to be anonymous — and really doesn’t want anyone to know.’ He had lots of important insights, like that.

In a statement, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman described King as a “pillar” of the Calgary community for five decades and a “champion” of Calgary’s sports teams. “His vision and steady hand have been instrumental in the success of both the Flames and the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. And his staunch advocacy for the arena project that will guarantee the Flames’ long-term viability in Calgary will serve as a legacy of his devotion to the city. Ken was a friend and I will miss him greatly.”

Flames general manager Brad Treliving remembered being interviewed by King when he was first under consideration for the job.

“I went to shake his hand and he drilled me in the side of my arm and almost knocked my arm off,” said Treliving, adding that King was “a larger than life personality … an explosive personality. It was a sight to behold. But what I always found with Ken too, there was great wisdom. When shit was rolling downhill, he would be a guy you’d want to be in a foxhole with.”

King wanted to keep the details of his illness as private as possible, said Peplinski. 1180641 Calgary Flames Rattled, the defencemen arrive at the airport and begin to board the plane. They get to the door and see Lindy Ruff sitting in one of the seats at the front. The Sabres head coach is wolfing down a burrito and poring How does it feel to be quarantined in-season? Former NHLer Rhett over stats. Warrener knows “We walk on and I go, ‘Hey, Lindy. Soupy’s sister-in-law got quarantined with SARS’ — and before I’m done the sentence he’s got the game notes up in front of his face and he’s spitting burrito out,” said Warrener. “He’s By Scott Cruickshank Mar 12, 2020 like, ‘Don’t talk to me! Go talk to someone else! Tell the trainer.'”

Campbell and Warrener inform the team’s travelling medical staffers. They’re hazy about protocol. Warrener figures the pilots should know, Like many people, Rhett Warrener is sorting through waves of updates. but, as it turns out, they are also unsure of next steps. Because when it comes to the coronavirus, there is no shortage of Eventually, someone reaches a World Health Organization incoming information. representative and tries to hand the phone to Ruff, who refuses to touch The task — as Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving pointed the possibly contaminated device. The upshot — WHO, after out the other day — is to level-headedly separate fact from fiction. consideration, decides to ground the plane until a proper course of action can be determined, given the viral disease’s contagious potential. Sounds easy. It is not. “We’d just played a hockey game — that’s the worst place to be,” said “Because who’s spinning what story for what reason? You don’t know,” Warrener. “You’re spitting, punching, you know what I mean? So I’m sure Warrener was saying the other day. “And there’s enough facts out there there were a lot of decisions being made.” to probably support, ‘Oh, it’s not a big deal,’ and to also support, ‘Wait a minute. We better be careful.’ It’s hard to determine. The buddies, in the meantime, remain standing in the doorway, where they stay for nearly an hour. “Everyone wants to sounds smart … but it’s a little bit surreal. On one hand, this has to be the most over-hyped BS I’ve ever heard. But when The Sabres have witnessed something like this before — a player or two you hear that a whole country has basically shut down? You’re like, ‘Oh. being pulled aside for a trade. But the deadline has passed. So Maybe not.’ teammates are left wondering about the fate of their young blueliners. “Guys sitting at the back of the plane are looking at us, like, ‘What are “It’s weird, that’s for sure. It’s all anyone’s talking about. Which in today’s you idiots doing? Why are those dumbasses standing there? Let’s go. world is shocking, because usually from one day to the next there’s a We’ve got to get to Carolina.'” whole (changeover of topics), right?” Then comes a baffling array of instructions. The COVID-19 pandemic, with gathering severity, is understandably dominating the news cycle — with rolling reports, at once overwhelming In order: and ever-changing. They’re told that they can join the rest of the players. So Campbell and Warrener knows firsthand about the unsettling nature of health scares, Warrener mosey to the back of the plane, still not sure what to make of which is what makes his tale from 17 years ago — a brush with severe the ordeal. “You’re half-joking, you’re half-worried,” said Warrener. acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the subsequent quarantine — They’re told to leave the plane and go sit in their car. suddenly relevant. They’re told to go home. “Eerily similar.” They’re told to return to the airport. “Now the plane’s been sitting there To the point that the retelling of the chaotic experience has become for hours, just sitting there,” said Warrener, “because World Health “almost a daily event now,” said the former Flames defenceman. (Sure doesn’t know whether to get in touch with the (Canadiens) and their team enough. During Wednesday’s practice at the Saddledome, Warrener, a and make them ground their plane.” volunteer development coach, could be heard regaling team brass with yet another account.) They’re told to return home — and, this time, to not budge. Yes, they’ve been put in quarantine. It is quite a story. On the plane, meanwhile, there is activity — before it can take off, a It’s the tail-end of the 2002-03 season and the Buffalo Sabres — commotion. employers of Warrener at that point — are trudging through the final weeks. The playoffs are out of reach. “Rumour has it that Timmy Connolly, who was sick, started to freak out — ‘I’ve got to get out of here. I’ve got to get to the hospital. I don’t feel Down the stretch, the sister-in-law of — who is good,'” said Warrener. “Lindy Ruff’s like, ‘You can’t leave. None of us are Warrener’s roommate — visits. She happens to be a nurse working in a allowed to leave this airplane.’ So they made him sit down and calm Toronto hospital where SARS patients are being treated. down.” “We went for dinner and hung out and she was around, blah, blah, blah,” (The next day, to The Associated Press, Ruff notes: “There is very little said Warrener. “She went home the day of the game.” concern, but we’re trying to be as cautious as we can. We’re erring on Immediately following that home date — March 28 against the Montreal the side of ‘Let’s make sure everything is OK.'”) Canadiens — the Sabres are scheduled to travel to Raleigh, N.C., to face So ordered, the friends motor back to Warrener’s house, on the north the Carolina Hurricanes the next night. Straightforward enough. side of downtown, and settle in. They’ve been told to isolate themselves So, after beating the Canadiens 4-1, Warrener and Campbell are driving — to not go near anybody for 10 days. Although if they promise to be to the airport to catch the postgame charter. careful, going outside is permitted.

“He was all quiet and I was like, ‘What is your problem? What the hell are “We could walk around,” said Warrener, “as long as we weren’t going you whining about? You weren’t that bad’ — kind of beaking him for near other people.” being pouty about something,” said Warrener. “And he’s like, ‘Well, I But before doing anything else, they need to get to the bottom of this don’t know. My sister-in-law, she might have SARS. She got quarantined SARS thing. So Warrener’s computer is booted up, “which is as slow as at the hospital.'” molasses.” They huddle and prompt the search engine. Remember, this The car goes quiet. Warrener finally speaks up. is nearly 20 years ago.

“I’m like, ‘Uh, wasn’t she just here? Is this something we need to worry “We were just past the dial-up stage on the internet … I don’t even think about?'” he said. “Soupy didn’t know. And I didn’t know. It was so new it was Google,” said Warrener. “At first I was laughing, ‘Oh, gawd. and they were talking that it was going to be real bad. Whatever.’ Then you start looking at (online descriptions of SARS) and you’re like, ‘Oh, maybe this ain’t good.’ You start having a little bit of “So it’s kind of silent for a while and I’m like, ‘Well, do we need to tell trepidation.” people?’ He’s like, ‘I don’t know.'” Regardless, they have to figure out how they’re going to eat.

So they begin to meal plan, a process that doesn’t involve trips to the fridge or the stove.

“I mean, you’re single guys playing hockey — it’s not like you have a house full of food, right?” said Warrener. “We might’ve cooked three meals at home that year.”

Which results in the following scene being played out numerous times in front of restaurants in Buffalo. A waiter dropping a large paper bag of food on the sidewalk. A black 1969 Dodge Coronet roaring up and screeching to a halt. An arm, belonging to a passenger with a mop of red hair, reaching out and snaring the goodies. The vintage ride zooming off into the night.

Nutrition concerns solved, the roomies still need to find ways to kill time. Lots of time.

So they hammer through stacks of DVDs. “Band of Brothers,” for one.

“And ‘The Sopranos’ — we murdered that thing.” They dabble in a little PlayStation, Warrener added, “but the games weren’t as good back then, right?”

However, his crib features a game room that houses a shuffleboard table and ping pong table, as well as arcade games, such as Golden Tee. “So there were a lot of tournaments.”

As the days pass, Sabres officials remember to keep in contact with the pair, checking in daily.

“‘Are you sick?’ ‘No, we’re fine, we’re fine,'” said Warrener. “After a week, everyone was just, ‘This is silly. You might as well come in today.'”

For the likes of Warrener and Campbell, something like this represents a grand opportunity.

“We’d ordered these World War II heavy-duty gas masks, with the canister in the front and everything,” said Warrener. “I don’t know how we got these masks, but the first day we walked into the rink, that’s what we were wearing.”

Wrapping up a season in which he’d missed time with a pulled groin, a broken foot, a concussion and an inner-ear imbalance, Warrener skates in the final three contests. The SARS incident, he says, had been “the capper” of a lousy winter.

Campbell’s sister-in-law, who had shown SARS symptoms, was eventually released from hospital. Asked if he and his pal were ever examined or tested, Warrener isn’t rightly sure. “I don’t even know. We never even had a symptom. We didn’t even sneeze. Never went to a hospital. My memory’s not everything, but I do not remember seeing a doctor.”

Looking back, the entire episode must seem bizarre.

“You tell me. Doesn’t it?” said Warrener. “But it speaks to … I guess it’s fear-mongering. Because if anything was ever that contagious, we’d have been in big trouble. Because if we’d caught it? You’d (already) played a hockey game. I would suspect that that would be a highly contagious place to be hanging out.”

Which brings him back to the present.

Warrener has plans to visit Scottsdale, Ariz., this weekend to watch some baseball, but he expects the spring training trip to fall through.

He awaits word, real word, while sifting through the speculation.

“Back (in 2003)? Nobody knew much,” said Warrener. “It was bad information, but very little information. As opposed to now when there’s so much information — and it’s jammed down your throat.”

He pauses.

“I’d rather go with really good information. Think we can do that?”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180642 Carolina Hurricanes It will be the NHL’s first stoppage since the 2012-13 season, when there was a lockout as a new collective bargaining agreement was being negotiated and finally approved. The start of the season was pushed back to January 2013 with a 48-game regular-season schedule and then NHL suspends 2019-20 season because of coronavirus threat the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for North Carolina, with warnings to avoid “mass gatherings” to help slow the BY CHIP ALEXANDER MARCH 12, 2020 01:37 PM spread of COVID-19.

The ACC first decided to hold its men’s tournament in Greensboro, then The National Hockey League has suspended the 2019-20 season announced it would continue without fans, then on Thursday canceled it because of the spread and threat of the coronavirus, a move that was a few minutes before the tipoff of the first quarterfinal game. necessary and many would say inevitable given all the unknowns of the News Observer LOADED: 03.13.2020 pandemic.

The NHL is calling it a temporary pause to the season, with hopes of a restart “as soon as it is appropriate and prudent,” commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday in a statement released by the league. Bettman said the goal would be to complete the season and hold the Stanley Cup playoffs.

“I think we did what was obvious that we had to do,” Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon said in an interview. “Now you just hope that over time we figure out a way to save as much of the season as possible.

“I’m hopeful but I don’t know there’s any way you can know. You just stay ready. We’re assuming at some point we’ll be back but you don’t know.”

The NHL announcement was made Thursday, a day after the NBA suspended its games indefinitely. The NBA decision came after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus.

The NHL, after the NBA announcement, said Wednesday night that the league was reviewing all its options, consulting with medical staff while also talking with teams and owners. The NHL Players Association also was in contact with the teams’ player representatives.

“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,” Bettman said in his statement. “However, following last night’s news that an NBA player had 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 and continue to play games at this time.”

The NHLPA also issued a statement calling the suspension an appropriate course of action, adding, “The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

The NHL first announced Thursday morning that teams were not allowed to hold morning skates, practices or team meetings. The Carolina Hurricanes were in New Jersey for a Thursday game against the Devils but did not have a scheduled morning skate at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Dundon said he spoke with Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour and some of the players on Thursday.

“I’ve talked to some folks and obviously it’s disappointing,” he said. “They love to play, right? And we were doing pretty well. But they also understand there’s a lot bigger things going on here than hockey.”

The Hurricanes, who hold a wild-card playoff position in the NHL’s Eastern Conference, were to play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday at PNC Arena in their first home game after six straight on the road. Their last home game was Feb. 28 against the Colorado Avalanche.

The NHL has 189 games remaining in its NHL schedule. The Canes had 14 games left, with the final game scheduled April 4 in Boston.

The American Hockey League also announced Thursday it was suspending its season, putting the Charlotte Checkers’ season on hold.

The Hurricanes, like other NHL teams, have followed a league directive and restricted media from entering their locker rooms. Players have refrained from autographing items presented to them and other precautions have been made.

The Canes played Tuesday in Detroit against the Red Wings. The team hotel was the Westin Book Cadillac, which had been used by the Jazz, who played the Pistons on Saturday, 1180643 Carolina Hurricanes

NHL joins NBA, MLS in suspending season due to coronavirus pandemic

BY MIKE STUNSON MARCH 12, 2020 10:15 AM

The National Hockey League followed the lead of several other professional sports leagues in suspending Its season, officials announced Thursday afternoon.

“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,” the NHL statement began.

“However, following last night’s news that an NBA player tested positive for coronavirus, and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some members 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.”

The league also said it hopes “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.”

The league told its teams Thursday morning “not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

While the NBA announced Wednesday night it has suspended its season, the NHL initially did not go as far in suspending its season until its announcement Thursday afternoon.

It said Wednesday night it was consulting “with medical experts and is evaluating the options.”

Given the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus, Clubs are advised not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings today.

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2020

There were 10 games scheduled to be played Thursday.

Before the suspension announcement, CBS Sports reporter Pete Blackburn said “the risk is too high” for the NHL to continue its season.

“Their hand is forced, given what happened in the NBA last night,” he said.

The NBA chose to suspend its season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19, the league announced.

More than 1,300 people in the United States have been diagnosed with coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University.

News Observer LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180644 Chicago Blackhawks August 1994, when the players strike forced the cancellation baseball’s regular season and postseason.

As bad as that was, at least the NFL season was starting up, so we all Column: As the sports world goes dark, what will we do? moved on rather quickly and vowed never to love baseball again. (We lied). At this point, the only thing to look forward to is the NFL draft April 23-25, which is still scheduled to take place.

By PAUL SULLIVAN CHICAGO TRIBUNE |MAR 12, 2020 | 5:36 PM Of course, these are the kinds of problems that don’t really matter in the long run, especially not when your shrinking 401Ks and unpaid credit-

card bills are bigger concerns. Boredom, after all, has a cure. MESA, ARIZ.-The sports world changed in a few short minutes Most athletes of this era can survive a long layoff. But the rest of those in Wednesday night when the NBA suspended its season after Utah Jazz jobs dependent on sports could be seriously jeopardized if suspended center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the new coronavirus. seasons go on for months or are canceled altogether. You have to feel By the time you woke up Thursday morning, you knew the rest of the for the Zamboni drivers and servers and bartenders at sports bars, for leagues would react in kind, making the correct decision to stop the the groundskeepers, concessionaires and ushers and for clubbies, games now and worry about the ramifications of a shutdown later. secretaries and parking-lot attendants.

First came the college conferences canceling their basketball Hopefully their bosses will take care of them until things return to normal. tournaments. Still, there are so many questions and so few answers: Then Major League Soccer and the NHL suspended their seasons. What happens to the playoffs if the NBA and NHL start up again in June? And despite starting Grapefruit League games in Florida, Major League Can a shortened baseball season work? Baseball eventually opted to cancel spring training games and delay the start of the regular season for at least two weeks. Can we get a full refund for MLB’s Extra Innings package?

Finally, and inevitably, March Madness was over before it began: The No one knows, but at least we’re all in this together, because obsessing NCAA called off its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. over sports is a nonpartisan affair, except, perhaps, if you love NASCAR.

No one can fault the leagues for making the decision. Preventing a Maybe this will be a temporary disruption and soon we can go back to potential catastrophe obviously should be their only concern. It probably our old ways, incessantly flipping channels, arguing about unimportant was only a matter of time before one of the thousands of athletes in things and starting the day off reading the sports page with a cup of college and pro sports would contract the virus and force the leagues to coffee as we get ready for work. go dark, and when or if things return to normal is unknown. We’ll all get by without sports, and maybe we’ll even find there’s more to MLB said it would “evaluate ongoing events leading up the start of the life than watching other people play games. season,” but we can’t speculate on what criteria would be used in a decision to start things up again. If the pandemic gets worse, as the There is, right? experts have predicted, it could mean the end of the season for some Chicago Tribune LOADED: 03.13.2020 sports, particularly the NBA and NHL, whose playoffs were only a few weeks away.

All of a sudden, those questions about opening-day starters or whether Comcast Xfinity would agree to a deal with Marquee Sports Network or if Astros players would be hit by pitches or if Bulls coach Jim Boylen would continue to call timeouts at the end of blowouts seemed awfully irrelevant.

There is nothing left to talk about in the sports world — except for whether it ever will be the same again.

If you’re like me, you’ve spent the better part of your life waking up and opening a newspaper or logging on to the internet to see what’s going on in sports. After work you meet up with family or friends to watch a game or sit back on the couch and watch it by yourself.

And just following a team or a player isn’t sufficient to some. You also want to read about it, listen to sports-talk radio to debate the latest controversies or turn to ESPN or MLB Network for highlights. It’s part of our DNA.

Adding to the cruel fate of the coronavirus pandemic, for many of us the next month is the best time of the year, when baseball season begins, March Madness is in full bloom and the Stanley Cup and NBA playoffs start cranking up.

Channel flipping in March and April is an art form we’ve perfected, going from game to game or even sport to sport without missing a beat. Our attention spans might be shorter than ever because of that, but who really cares?

But that’s all history. Now we’re entering a new world, and there’s no getting around the sad truth:

You and I are going to have to get a life.

We’ll all have to find substitutes for our sports obsession, at least for the time being, and help take our minds off real-world problems such as a global pandemic that’s causing all these disruptions.

I honestly don’t know how I’ll handle not having sports to watch. There’s only so much Netflix a guy can take, and “Better Call Saul” is on only once a week. The last time something this drastic occurred was in 1180645 Chicago Blackhawks And what of Olympic hopefuls eyeing the Summer Games set to open July 24 in Tokyo? The future is in doubt for them, too.

As the NBA worked toward a formal announcement on an initial An unthinkable Thursday: Coronavirus brings the sports world to a timetable, Jazz All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were being screeching halt treated after testing positive for the coronavirus. Gobert’s positive test came Wednesday, leading the NBA to suspend its season almost A dizzying day hit fans, athletes and all others involved with the games immediately. we enjoy, play in and write about seemingly from all sides. On Monday, Gobert, unaware of his infection, jokingly touched phones and recording devices belonging to a group of reporters. A video of that ominous scene has since made the rounds. By Steve Greenberg Mar 12, 2020, 8:34pm CDT ‘‘I was careless and make no excuse,’’ Gobert wrote Thursday on his

Instagram page. ‘‘I hope my story serves as a warning and causes On March 6 — five days before the World Health Organization declared everyone to take this seriously.’’ COVID-19 a pandemic — a Division III men’s NCAA Tournament game Tweeted LeBron James: ‘‘What we really need to cancel is 2020.’’ at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore was held with ‘‘no spectators’’ signs on the gym doors. It is thought to have been the first U.S. sporting There can be no redo. And in sports, the show won’t go on for a while. event to be held without fans because of the coronavirus crisis. Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 03.13.2020 Less than a week later, there is little to watch in person or from the couch — the sports world having been largely shut down.

A dizzying Thursday hit fans, athletes and all others involved with the games we enjoy, play in and write about seemingly from all sides.

The NHL put its season on indefinite hold, following the lead of the NBA. Major League Baseball canceled all remaining spring-training games, delayed Opening Day by at least two weeks and postponed qualifying games for the 2020 World Baseball Classic.

‘‘Early questions from players: Do we go home now? Stay [in Arizona] and train? How/when do we start back up? . . . Do we still get paid?’’ Cubs infielder Jason Kipnis tweeted.

The XFL canceled the rest of its regular season. NASCAR announced it will proceed as scheduled but without fans in attendance. On the PGA and LPGA tours and on both major tennis tours, events were postponed or canceled.

High school basketball showcases such as the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic were called off, as were many spring games in .

And no one was hit harder than college athletes in the winter and spring sports. The NCAA canceled all remaining championships, including the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. This came one day after the NCAA had announced that March Madness would go on without fans at the games.

‘‘These last 24 hours have been heartbreaking,’’ Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement.

DePaul’s and Northwestern’s women’s basketball teams will miss out on the Big Dance. The Illinois men’s team won’t get to end a six-season NCAA drought after all. Careers instantly ended for all those teams’ seniors. Dreams instantly disappeared for all those players. Fans — especially the long-suffering ones of the Illini — are left without the chance to write the names of their schools into their brackets.

All that opportunity and reward for so much hard work were lost.

‘‘We took away those moments for a significant number of our student- athletes,’’ Whitman said. ‘‘I know they are devastated. I am, as well.’’

The ACC, Big East, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC postponed all competition at least through the end of March. The Big Ten went the furthest of all the major conferences, canceling all games in all sports through the end of the academic year.

Former Michigan basketball coach John Beilein searched for a positive, describing it as a teachable moment.

‘‘When the basketball stops bouncing, what do you got?’’ he said. ‘‘Well, the basketball stopped bouncing. What type of life are you living? What type of values do you have? This is the good stuff that we could use to teach going forward.’’

On Thursday morning, the IHSA announced its games, including the boys state basketball tournaments, would go on with attendance limits. By evening, though, the high school had stopped bouncing, too, with all remaining tournament games having been canceled. 1180646 Chicago Blackhawks

NHL postpones 2019-20 season indefinitely, including Blackhawks’ final 12 games

The NHL announced Thursday that it will follow the NBA’s lead and postpone the ongoing season because of coronavirus concerns.

By Ben Pope Mar 12, 2020, 12:33pm CDT

The Blackhawks’ season was put on hold indefinitely when the NHL announced Thursday that its 2019-20 campaign is ‘‘paused’’ because of coronavirus concerns.

‘‘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,’’ commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

The Hawks had been scheduled to play 12 more games through the regular-season finale April 4 against the Rangers in New York. A home game Friday against the Senators and a road game Saturday against the Capitals were next up. The Hawks also were to host the Wild on March 19, the Predators on March 22, the Penguins on March 25, the Stars on March 27, the Kings on March 29 and the Canadiens on March 31.

Those games definitely won’t happen on their scheduled days, and given that no details are available about how long the postponement might last or whether the regular season will be resumed in full, it’s fair to question whether they will happen at all.

‘‘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,’’ Bettman said. ‘‘Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay healthy.’’

If the regular season doesn’t resume, the Hawks at least went out on a high note — defeating the Sharks 6-2 at home Wednesday — despite a disappointing season. They’ll be stuck at 32-30-8 for 72 points, six out of a playoff spot, for the time being.

Wing Patrick Kane, defenseman Duncan Keith and coach Jeremy Colliton were visibly shaken after the game Wednesday, having not learned during it that the NBA had postponed its season.

‘‘This is a first for us, to be in this situation,’’ Keith said Wednesday. ‘‘You kind of have to leave it up to some of the people in charge to make those decisions on what they feel is best and have faith that they know what they’re doing. You never want to see anybody — let alone an athlete or an NBA player — have to go through it.’’

The entire situation moved stunningly quickly.

The first indication that the coronavirus’ spread would affect the NHL didn’t come until late Monday, when Santa Clara County in California banned large public gatherings, affecting five scheduled Sharks games.

The next day, a new policy barring media and other non-essential people from locker rooms went into effect, but the Hawks were lighthearted about the situation after practice Tuesday.

‘‘As long as we don’t pick our nose too much, we should be good,’’ defenseman Connor Murphy joked.

On Wednesday, the Sharks and Blue Jackets announced they would play their remaining home games without fans, but a capacity crowd of 21,275 attended the Hawks’ game. It wasn’t until the news of the NBA postponement that the season seemed truly in jeopardy.

The Hawks initially were supposed to practice Thursday but canceled that several hours before Bettman’s announcement.

All sorts of proposals have been floated for a revised playoff format once hockey resumes. But unless the NHL adopts a format that admits 24 teams, the Hawks won’t reach the postseason.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180647 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks cancel scheduled Thursday practice ahead of NHL decision

The NHL will reportedly have a team conference call at 12 p.m. Central Time to weigh options for the season in wake of NBA’s postponement, growing coronavirus fears.

By Ben Pope Mar 12, 2020, 9:48am CDT

The first canceled event on the Blackhawks schedule arrived swiftly Thursday morning, with the team’s scheduled 11:30 a.m. CT practice called off at around 9 a.m.

That came as the league advised all teams to cancel scheduled practices, meetings and morning skates Thursday, although the 10 scheduled games around the league Thursday night are still on for now.

The Hawks were scheduled to next play Friday at home against Ottawa. Thursday’s missed practice will almost certainly not be the only Hawks event canceled, though.

The NHL will reportedly hold a conference call with one representative from each of the 31 franchises at 12:00 p.m. CT to discuss options for the season, in light of growing coronavirus pandemic fears.

With the NBA postponing its season Wednesday night, the most likely outcome is that the NHL does the same, although that’s no certainty.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180648 Chicago Blackhawks “We’re talking about we can’t break out,” Colliton said. “[So] we’ve got to move the puck better. If those guys can defend and find a way to be in our lineup, it’s going to help us in a lot of ways.”

Adam Boqvist’s absence revealing Blackhawks’ difficulties with Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 03.13.2020 defensive-zone breakouts

The rookie defenseman’s recent injuries have ripped the band-aid off a newly evident Hawks weakness.

By Ben Pope Mar 12, 2020, 4:55am CDT

Adam Boqvist has had a rough stretch injury-wise.

The rookie offensive defenseman missed the game Friday against the Red Wings with a wrist injury, then left halfway through the game against the Blues on Sunday after suffering a concussion on a controversial hit by Oscar Sundqvist. He remained out Wednesday against the Sharks, and the Blackhawks have given no update on his timetable.

His absence is concerning for the Hawks mainly with regard to his future longevity. Boqvist entered this season with a concussion history, and the Hawks have seen with Andrew Shaw and Drake Caggiula how problematic recurring concussions can be.

The rest of this season is of far lower priority, given that the Hawks are well out of the playoff picture and the NHL may or may not follow the NBA’s lead and suspend the season Thursday, when an announcement is expected.

But for now, the Hawks are still playing games, and Boqvist’s absence has had more of an impact on their performance than one might expect from a 19-year-old with 13 points in 41 games.

Without Boqvist — and the recently traded Erik Gustafsson — the Hawks are struggling mightily to break the puck out of their defensive zone while maintaining possession.

“We can just be more aware of making cleaner plays, and it’s not always just the defenseman,” Connor Murphy said Tuesday. “As a team, we have to make sure we’re giving flat, crisp passes to forwards, and then the forwards [have to be] making sure they’re out there giving themselves space or finding that next layer to take it out of the zone.”

Those struggles aren’t exactly surprises, considering the remaining healthy, full-time defensemen in the Hawks’ lineup — Murphy, Duncan Keith, Olli Maatta and Slater Koekkoek — are below-average in that regard.

According to analyst Corey Sznajder’s data, about 33 percent of all D- zone exit attempts are with possession. But only 30 percent of Keith’s are with possession, and, incredibly, he’s the best among active Hawks defensemen in that regard. Murphy (17 percent) and Maatta (18 percent) are among the league’s worst.

Even in practice Tuesday, the Hawks couldn’t click in their passes or breakouts, which alarmed coach Jeremy Colliton.

“We have to be way cleaner with the puck,” Colliton said. “Working on it in practice today, not clean enough. It’s no pressure; [we’ve] got to go tape-to-tape. If you’re having trouble going tape-to-tape with no pressure, it’s going to be tough when it’s five-on-five.

“We’ve got to keep focusing on it. Obviously, those guys who are out, it’s a strength of theirs. But we have to find a way.”

Finding a way might involve making some changes to the defensive corps. Nicolas Beaudin was recalled from Rockford mere hours after practice Tuesday and made his NHL debut Wednesday.

The recall made sense from the standpoint of using meaningless games to give a top prospect some NHL experience, but it also made sense because Beaudin is an offensive defenseman who showed in the AHL that he can move the puck well.

With Lucas Carlsson — whose puck-moving ability has stood out as his strongest suit in his first few weeks — also returning to the lineup, the Hawks will try to fix their breakout problem with two capable, if inexperienced, plug-ins. 1180649 Chicago Blackhawks Hopefully, play can resume -- perhaps in a few weeks, perhaps in a month or more -- and then we'll find out exactly how the NHL wants to proceed with its season.

NHL suspends season due to coronavirus Daily Herald Times LOADED: 03.13.2020

John Dietz

The NHL season is officially on hold.

Less than 24 hours after the NBA suspended its season due to one of its players contracting the coronavirus, the NHL followed suit Thursday and halted operations until further notice.

A statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman read, in part: "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."

The statement went on to say that the league is hoping to "resume play as soon as it is appropriate" so that the Stanley Cup can be awarded. If play resumes it's possible the postseason could run into July.

What this means is that the Blackhawks almost certainly will not play their scheduled games for at least the next two weeks.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said at a news conference Thursday afternoon that he asked all of Chicago's major sports owners to cancel all of their games or play without spectators until May 1.

"All of the owners that I spoke with told me that they completely understood and were more than willing to comply with this guidance," Pritzker said. "I want to thank them, for putting the health and safety of the residents of our state above all else."

A Hawks spokesman respectfully passed on a request to speak with a player, coach Jeremy Colliton, GM Stan Bowman and/or President and CEO John McDonough.

The AHL -- the league in which the Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Wolves play -- also suspended operations, as did the USHL, where the Chicago Steel plays.

Here's what Duncan Keith said after the Hawks' 6-2 victory over San Jose at the United Center on Wednesday: "I really don't know what to think to be honest with (you). This is a first for us to be in this situation. You kind of have to leave it up to some of the people in charge to make those decisions on what they feel is best and have faith that they know what they're doing.

"You never want to see anybody -- let alone an athlete or an NBA player -- have to go through it. Seems to be more and more people seem to be getting affected by it."

The NBA's decision to suspend its season came after Utah's Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.

If no more regular-season games are played, it creates a conundrum in terms of how to determine which teams qualify for the postseason.

Anything and everything is reportedly on the table, including:

• Determining playoff teams based on points percentage.

• Allowing four more teams into the postseason, which would create a play-in round for the 7-10 seeds.

• Another suggestion was to give the top four teams in each conference byes, and make the 5-12 seeds play a best-of-three series.

• Then, when there are eight teams remaining in each conference, make all playoff series best-of-five until the Stanley Cup Final, which would remain best-of-seven.

If 24 teams are allowed into the playoffs, the Hawks (32-30-8) would actually qualify at the 12th seed in the West. If all seeds were done by points percentage -- and the regular season was declared over -- that means the Hawks would play a best-of-three series against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.

For now, though, we wait. 1180650 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks provide update on ticket refund policy for remaining home games

By Charlie Roumeliotis March 12, 2020 5:30 PM

The NHL announced on Thursday that it has put the 2019-20 season on pause due to COVID-19 concerns but plans to resume play "as soon as it is appropriate and prudent.” It remains unclear if and when the season will continue.

Given the latest development, the Blackhawks provided an update on the final seven home games and their refund policy for fans who purchased tickets for those respective games.

The remaining seven Chicago Blackhawks games have been postponed. Tickets already purchased for a postponed game will be honored when the game is rescheduled. If games are not played or played in an empty arena, fans will have the option to receive a credit for a future game or a refund.

If you require an immediate refund for single-game ticket purchases, please contact the original point of purchase. Ticketmaster may be reached by calling (800) 653-8000. For all tickets purchased at the box office, refunds can be made in person during normal box office hours, Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Full season, partial season and group ticket purchases will also remain valid for the rescheduled games. Persons with questions regarding these tickets should contact their Customer Service Executive or call 312-455- 7000.

As you know, we care deeply about our fans, players and staff, and we want to do everything we can to ensure their health and safety. So, we support the NHL's decision, and we look forward to returning to the ice as soon as possible. We thank you for your support and understanding.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said in a Thursday evening press conference that he respectfully asked the owners of Chicago's major sports teams to cancel all home games or play without spectators until May 1. Pritzker said they all complied.

Because of this, the Blackhawks are unlikely to play at the United Center again this season.

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Chicago team owners agree to cancel home games or play without fans until May 1

By Tim Stebbins March 12, 2020 2:43 PM

There will be no home games, or home games with fans, in Chicago until at least May.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recommended owners of Chicago's major sports teams cancel or play home games without fans until May 1. The owners agreed to that request.

Gov. Pritzker just said he spoke to all owners of Chicago’s major sports teams and asked them not to have home games or, if they have games, not to have fans in attendance until May 1. He said all owners agreed to that request.

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) March 12, 2020

Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Tony Preckwinkle announced the state of Illinois' mandates in response to the coronavirus in a Thursday press conference.

The NBA and NHL suspended play indefinitely in wake of COVID-19. MLS suspended action for 30 days, while MLB delayed Opening Day, scheduled for March 26, until at least April 9.

If the situation improves quickly enough to where the seasons can resume before the end of April, there might be a scenario where the Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox and Fire need play their home games at alternative sites.

Of their remaining games, the Blackhawks and Bulls each have seven home games left on the schedule.

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NHL officially suspends season indefinitely over COVID-19 pandemic

By Charlie Roumeliotis March 12, 2020 12:30 PM

A significant domino fell on Wednesday night when the NBA suspended its season indefinitely after a player tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first professional league in North America to do so. And many have since followed suit.

After meeting with their Board of Governors on Thursday afternoon, the NHL officially announced that it is suspending play, effective immediately.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released this statement:

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.

On Monday, the NHL, NBA, MLB and MLS jointly announced that they are restricting locker room access amid the rapid spread of the virus. On Wednesday, two NHL teams made the decision to play the remainder of their home games in March without fans.

But circumstances have significantly changed since then, and the NHL is shutting down until further notice. The hope is that the season will eventually continue, but it's a fluid situation.

Stay tuned for more details...

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NHL advises teams to cancel practices and meetings amid coronavirus pandemic

By Charlie Roumeliotis March 12, 2020 9:30 AM

The NHL released a statement on Thursday morning advising teams not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings while they determine the next steps amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Given the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus, Clubs are advised not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings today.

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2020

The decision comes in light of the NBA suspending its season indefinitely after a player tested positive for COVID-19. In response to the NBA's decision, the NHL said Wednesday night it is "continuing to consult with medical experts and is evaluating the options."

A further update is expected on Thursday. The NHL is reportedly scheduled to hold a conference call with its board at 12 p.m. CT.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180654 Chicago Blackhawks The team’s annual Miller Lite Draft Party, scheduled for April 24 at Soldier Field, has been canceled. It would have exceeded 1,000 people, thus going against Governor Pritzker’s mandate announced Thursday.

Gov. Pritzker recommending no sporting events in Illinois until May Fans will receive an email for a full refund to the event.

The team is allowed to host 30 players at Halas Hall for a pre-draft visit, an important part of the draft process to get to know the prospects. That By Scott Powers Mar 12, 2020 is on hold “until further notice.” GM Ryan Pace and his personnel staff will be relying more on watching tape and comparing the notes they

already have on draft prospects — a few pro days have already taken Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recommended the owners of Chicago’s place as well. professional teams that statewide major sporting events should be shut The NFL canceled the annual league meetings, set to be held March 29 down, or played without spectators, until possibly May 1. to April 1 in Palm Beach, Fla. Head coaches and GMs will be in The Athletic exclusively broke this news Thursday afternoon and Pritzker attendance for the May 19-20 meetings at Marina Del Rey, Calif. That’s announced it to start his 5 p.m. press conference at the Thompson where any rules changes will be voted on, along with other football Center with Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County board operations decisions. president Toni Preckwinkle. As of Thursday evening, the number of The 2020 league year is still scheduled to begin next week. Teams and coronavirus cases in Illinois stood at 32. agents can begin negotiating contracts on Monday, with signings and “All of the owners that I spoke with told me they completely understood trades becoming official Wednesday, March 18 at 3 p.m. Players have to and were more than willing to comply with this guidance,” he said. “I want pass a physical at a team facility before a signing becomes official. That to thank them for putting the health and safety of the residents of our process could certainly be delayed, along with free agents who want to state above all else.” visit teams before choosing where to sign.

Pritzker advised that all community or social events with more than 250 This story will be updated. people be canceled or postponed until May 1 and mandated that all — Patrick Mooney, Kevin Fishbain and Jon Greenberg contributed events of more than 1,000 people be canceled or postponed immediately. The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 All of the major sports leagues are currently on hiatus as the country scrambles to contain COVID-19. Major League Baseball announced a delay of at least two weeks on Thursday afternoon. MLS announced a 30-day hiatus Thursday. The NCAA canceled the men’s and women’s basketball tournament, along with spring sports. The College World Series has also been canceled.

Most Chicago teams are trying to figure out what’s next. The Bulls returned home from Orlando after flying there for a game scheduled for Thursday night. Their last game, perhaps of the season, was on March 10 against Cleveland. Eight days earlier, the Cavs played Utah. On Wednesday, the Jazz game was canceled. Utah players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell have since tested positive for the coronavirus. In a statement, the Bulls announced they are stopping team activities for the time being and that “no player has reported experiencing any symptoms at this time. Players, coaches and basketball operations personnel have been asked to remain in the Chicagoland area and to exercise good judgment related to personal hygiene and social distancing.”

Cubs president Theo Epstein reacted to the news on Thursday afternoon.

“I had heard that was coming,” he said. “It seems a number of municipalities across Major League Baseball have given directives to the teams about not using the facilities. I think it’s wise for us to follow the direction of the municipalities and Major League Baseball as a whole is obviously factoring that in with what is and isn’t possible going forward.”

“The health and wellness of our fans, players and associates is our team’s top priority,” Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said. “In light of rapidly changing developments resulting from the coronavirus, we believe Major League Baseball’s decision is in the best interests of the safety and well- being of the public and the game of baseball. While our hope is to play baseball at Wrigley Field soon, we will continue to work in close coordination with Major League Baseball, as well as with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and their administrations to ensure that we make the best decisions to protect public health and safety.

“In the meantime, Major League Baseball is preparing a variety of contingency plans in concert with clubs regarding the 2020 regular season schedule and will be offering updates as soon as possible.”

The Bears closed both their offices temporarily and suspended business air travel for team personnel. Draft prospect visits to Halas Hall have been postponed. Employees will work remotely on Friday, March 13.

“The health and safety of our players, coaches and all staff is our utmost priority,” the Bears said in a statement. 1180655 Colorado Avalanche

NHL suspends regular season amid coronavirus pandemic; AHL follows suit

By THE DENVER POST | PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 11:32 a.m. | UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

The NHL on Thursday announced it has suspended play due to the coronavirus pandemic, and hours later the American Hockey League did the same. The decisions come a day after the NBA suspended its season after a member of the Utah Jazz tested positive for the virus.

Early Thursday, the NHL advised clubs to refrain from conducting morning skates, practices or team meetings. League officials were set to meet during the day to discuss how the league would go forward.

The league has asked teams to identify open arena dates through July, according to multiple media reports, meaning the season might be resumed.

“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 measure,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “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.”

Bettman added that he hopes to resume play and award the Stanley Cup.

“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,” he said in his statement. “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 league’s suspension occurs as the Avalanche is enjoying one of its best regular seasons in 19 years. The Avs, who have 92 points with 12 remaining games, continue to close in on the Central Division and Western Conference lead. They only trail St. Louis (94 points) which has 11 remaining games.

Colorado opened what was scheduled as a four-game homestand Wednesday with a 3-2 overtime victory against the New York Rangers. The Avs were set to play Vancouver on Friday, Vegas on Sunday and San Jose on Tuesday. Their regular-season finale was supposed to be April 4 at home against the rival Blues, the defending Stanley Cup champions.

All NHL teams playing on the road were directed home Thursday.

The Avalanche released the following statement to ticket-holders: Once we are given direction by the league, we will proactively communicate with ticket holders their options. If a game is permanently canceled, you will be presented a range of refund, credit, or other options.

The American Hockey League, including the Colorado Eagles in Loveland, also suspended play. The playoff-positioned Eagles (34-18-4) stand second in the Pacific Division with 12 remaining regular-season games.

The NHL/AHL has the backing of the NHL Players’ Association, which released the following statement: “The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 Pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time. The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

Denver Post: LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180656 Colorado Avalanche is “unprecedented.” There is no blueprint for how to handle such a rapidly changing development.

Restaurants like Brooklyn’s at the Pepsi Center face a dynamic different As the NBA and NHL go on hiatus, so do paychecks for those behind the from most. Brooklyn’s success is anchored to that of Pepsi Center. There scenes are businesses, such as the nearby Keller Williams office, that may have a few employees go there for lunch. But otherwise, it’s a restaurant that is not in the heart of downtown and thus can’t draw other forms of foot traffic. By Ryan S. Clark Mar 12, 2020 Brooklyn’s needs these concerts and games to survive. Munez said she

was constantly checking Pepsi Center’s schedule to see if any more You can talk about anything except coronavirus. games or concerts were scheduled.

This is something “Alexa,” a security guard at Pepsi Center, tried doing, That’s what makes the Post Malone concert, still scheduled to take place, but there was no point. Coronavirus or the disease it causes, COVID-19, so important. She likened it to a “last hurrah” for her staff because there was the only thing anyone wanted to discuss Wednesday before, during is such a murky future. and after the Colorado Avalanche-New York Rangers game. Someone “We’ve never had to handle something like this, and it is uncharted “Alexa” knows tried hugging her before both realized for a split-second territory,” she said. “We don’t know if it is going to be two weeks or three that caution is more important than ever. months. How do you hold onto employees who do not have a job that Her name is clearly not “Alexa,” but she was given this moniker because instantly in one day have had their livelihood taken away from them?” she does not want to risk losing a job she loves. She and a lot of her co- Argus is the event-staffing and security firm that contracted by venues workers live from paycheck to paycheck. The difference is “Alexa” has a like Coors Field, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Empower Field and Pepsi side business, which helps. But she knows many of her co-workers are Center to provide services. Andy Boian, a spokesperson for the not so fortunate. company, said the employees are hourly and there is not a protocol for a Stories like the ones belonging to “Alexa” have the potential to go situation like this. He said Argus is exhausting all options to see what it unnoticed, much as she and other behind-the-scenes workers do. The can do to provide some sort of financial support to affected employees. decisions made by the NBA and NHL to suspend their seasons come at Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said Wednesday that he plans to a cost to this class of working people. They are the custodians. They are create a program to financially support those who work at the American the security people. They are the servers. They are the vendors. Airlines Center. Boian said his firm has reached out to the state and They are the names and faces you do not know but would notice if those within the region for advice and potential resources. something under their purview was out of place. He said Argus has not yet reached out to Kroenke Sports & They are also the people searching for answers. They have never seen Entertainment or any client about financial relief, but those conversations anything like this. They don’t know when the games will resume. They could happen at some point. don’t know if they can hold on for that long knowing they have bills to pay “We are a small business and we have to take that into account,” Boian and mouths to feed and are trying to live active lives that cannot be said. “When the NBA and NHL close their entire seasons, it’s suspended. unprecedented.” “I have that fear of not working for two months” is what “Alexa” said upon The impact stretches beyond Denver. converting her worries. “It is scary. Like I said, I have talked to people that this is their only form of livelihood. They work at Pepsi (Center). They The Budweiser Events Center in Loveland is about 60 miles north. It is work at Coors Field. There were literal tears last night worrying that there the home to the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. The AHL was not going to be a Post Malone concert or another Avs game or also announced Thursday that it would suspend its season. Losing those another Nuggets game or another baseball game. games from its main client, however, is only part of the losses the BEC is taking on. The building was set to host an NCAA Division I men’s hockey “Do they start looking for jobs? It was the talk of the evening. It was just regional. That tournament was canceled. crazy.” Keller Taylor, the general manager for the BEC, said the Loveland March is perhaps the busiest, most lucrative time of year for those who Regional was sold out and now refunds have been issued for everyone work in arenas and stadiums. There is the crossover between the NBA who purchased tickets. The Colorado High School Activities Association and NHL along with the number of concerts that come in when those state basketball tournament is being held, but players are allowed to teams are on the road. Pepsi Center also offers the National Lacrosse bring only up to four family members. League as another option for those workers who are seeking more income. Other events, like the CHEERSPORT Colorado Grand Championship set for Sunday, have been postponed. As was The Roadshow 2020 concert Or at least it was that way. series, scheduled for later this month. Taylor said refunds for the concert How the calendar looked on the Pepsi Center website at the start of the have already been issued and that the BEC is having discussions with day changed within a few hours. Those six Avalanche home games are organizers of other events set to take place within the next 60 days about gone. And that hurts even more as eight of their final 12 regular-season potentially rescheduling. games were set for Pepsi Center. The same for those three Denver “I think for the part-time individual, I think this is the type of environment Nuggets games and the lone Colorado Mammoth contest against the that is going to create challenges,” Taylor said. “We feel sympathetic. It’s Calgary Roughnecks. our responsibility to present a safe environment. Our focus is to make Post Malone is still scheduled to perform Thursday. But that Saturday sure they are in a safe environment.” night Blake Shelton concert is off the table. It appears Celine Dion could That’s the other element in all of this. Boian and Taylor illustrated how still perform, while the two shows for The Eagles’ Hotel California 2020 doing right by employees also means making sure they have safe Tour are still set to be held. working conditions. But there is time for all of that to change. Even if it means there is no work to be done for a while. “I have a lot of kids who are working paycheck to paycheck, and what do Taylor said about 250 people work within all departments at the arena. you tell them,” said Jasmine Munez, who manages Brooklyn’s at the That total includes those employed in food services. He said Spectra, the Pepsi Center, a restaurant across the street from the venue. “What can company that manages the BEC’s day-to-day operations, is still you say other than I’m sorry? I don’t have a job to offer you because I assessing the potential impact of the work stoppage. Doing so is don’t have work for you? They are in the middle of the season with two challenging because the situation changes “hour by hour and minute by good teams and I don’t have nothing for them.” minute.” Munez has managed Brooklyn’s for 19 years and has never seen anything like this. The word she, “Alexa” and so many others have used He added that the building’s part-time events staffers are people who already have full-time jobs and work at the arena to supplement their incomes.

No one has an answer for when the pandemic will be controlled enough for events to resume and allow people like “Alexa” and her co-workers a chance to continue supporting themselves and their families.

That’s what made Wednesday so eerie and ominous. It was the edict of being told to not talk about coronavirus even as all of their concerns were evident.

“Alexa” is used to seeing fans sitting near the open windows at Club Lexus waiting for autographs. But that never happened as players were instructed to minimize contact. The intermissions, often filled with on-ice games, were comparatively sterile because nobody wanted to take any chances.

Many of the Pepsi Center workers have known each other for years. They have built relationships. It has become a familiar and, at times, comedic sight to see how they react to certain moments. Each win is met with loud cheering that can echo down the hallways. Every defeat is met with the sort of grumblings one would expect to hear from fans calling in on a postgame radio show.

But Wednesday was different. So was Thursday, when even more developments started happening.

They did not want this to happen. But they knew it would.

“It was an unspoken ‘See you in a month or two,’” “Alexa” recalled after the Avalanche game. “Nobody wanted to say it, but it’s one of those things you say without having to say it.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180657 Colorado Avalanche level contract. A 10th appearance this season would burn a year off his deal.

Three Stars Avalanche defeat Rangers in overtime J.T. Compher: Career-high ice-time and the game-winner in overtime.

Cale Makar: Three assists in his first game back from a five-game By Aarif Deen - March 12, 2020 absence.

Pavel Francouz: The goalie had 30 saves, including multiple breakaways in the second and third periods. Life without All-Star center Nathan MacKinnon is off to a good start for the Avalanche. milehighsports.com LOADED: 03.13.2020

Colorado (42-20-8) scored twice on the power play before an overtime game-winner from MacKinnon’s top-line replacement, J.T. Compher at 2:50 of the overtime period, sent the Avs to a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Wednesday. Goaltender Pavel Francouz, making his fifth consecutive start, made 30 saves for his 21st victory of the season.

Avs coach Jared Bednar, despite the victory, made it clear that he was unhappy with his team’s performance overall. The Avalanche led 2-1 late in the third but surrendered the game-tying goal with 13 seconds remaining in regulation.

“I thought we were not good 5-on-5. Which usually is the strength of our game,” Bednar said. “The power play got two, penalty kill was excellent. I thought we had some guys that played real hard and logged a lot of minutes—way more than they usually do. But on the defensive side, we were terrible. Pav was awesome and we got the win. We’ll take it.”

Avs rookie defenseman Cale Makar had three assists. The latter on the game-winning goal when took a feed from Compher and slowly entered the zone, eventually firing the puck on goal for Compher to redirect past the netminder. Makar returned after missing five games.

“Their guy screened their goalie,” Makar said, describing the game- winner that kept the Avs within two points of St. Louis for the top spot in the Western Conference. “Comph got a great stick on it and put it over (the goalies) shoulder. It was a great tip by him.”

Compher logged a career-high 25:38 in his new role alongside wingers Gabriel Landeskog and Vladislav Namestnikov. The trio combined for four points with the latter two continuing the strong offensive output they had playing with MacKinnon.

“We know how big a part Nate is of this team,” Landeskog said. “He’s been my linemate for as long as I can remember. You get used to playing with somebody, especially a guy that’s so high-caliber and in my opinion one of the top two centers in the league. It’s a big piece but it fueled us. We wanted to come out and prove that we’re a heck of a team without him as well.”

MacKinnon will be out for 1-2 weeks, Bednar said.

Colorado’s power play gave the Avalanche life after surrendering a goal to the hottest hand in the league in the first period. Mika Zibanejad, who recently reached the 40-goal mark in just 56 games, fired a shot past Francouz to make it 1-0.

Namestnikov and Tyson Jost scored the next two goals to put the Avalanche ahead. Namestnikov and Jost, along with Compher, Landeskog, and Makar, made up Colorado’s new-look top power-play unit.

What sparked that power play success?

“Cale was back,” Landeskog said.

Makar added: “Things were clicking. We just wanted to go out there and try to put pucks on the net.”

Footnotes

The Avalanche are scheduled to continue their homestand on Friday, but the NHL is expected to update teams on any potential postponements on Thursday. The NBA announced on Wednesday that all games will be postponed until further notice, effective immediately. There is a strong possibility the NHL will follow suit. … Makar reached 50 points on Wednesday, joining Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes as the second rookie defenseman to accomplish the feat this season. … Martin Kaut, who was called up to play in his ninth regular-season game, will return to the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League. Bednar confirmed postgame that the plan remains to preserve the first year of Kaut’s entry- 1180658 Columbus Blue Jackets The last team with a double-digit negative goal differential to win a playoff series was the 1995-96 St. Louis Blues. During this century, there have been a few teams with a single-digit negative differential that won a playoff series — including the 2009-10 Canadiens and 2016-17 Ottawa Michael Arace | If NHL season resumes, Jackets can turn a negative to a Senators, each of whom made it to the conference finals. real positive Which leads to a discussion of the importance of goaltending …

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.13.2020 Michael Arace The Columbus Dispatch Mar 13, 2020 at 5:31 AM

Meanwhile, in hockey, a remarkable Blue Jackets season was put on hold at the top of the stretch when the NHL suspended its season due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

The Jackets-Penguins game, scheduled for Thursday night, was going to be the first North American major professional sporting event played in front of empty seats since April 29, 2015. On that day, the decided to play a fan-less game (against the ) due to concerns about rioting; that was just after the death of Freddie Gray, an African American man who died while in police custody.

Hockey has a blip of this sort of sad history: The 1919 Stanley Cup finals between the Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Metropolitans was suspended with the series tied 2-2. Health officials shut it down after the Spanish flu struck the Canadiens, who only had three healthy players for Game 5. Defenseman Joe Hall died a few days later. That pandemic claimed at least 50 million lives worldwide.

To use a poor segue, because there can be no other kind under the circumstances, those were the days before advanced metrics were invented. The simplest statistics — wins and losses, points and goals for and against — told the story. They still do.

One big number for the Jackets is man-games lost to injuries. The Jackets lead the league with 418 man-games lost. Yet, they have persevered. The Jackets (33-22-15, 81 points) were holding the second wild card in the Eastern Conference and had 12 games remaining when the season was suspended.

The Jackets have scored 180 goals and allowed 187, a minus-7 differential. Rule of thumb: A positive differential is a necessity to make the playoffs. Ancillary rule of thumb: A negative differential is a ticket to the draft lottery.

Since 2000-01, when the Jackets entered the league, there have been 288 playoff teams. Of those, 20 had a negative goal differential. So what we’re saying is it’s possible. It’s 7% possible.

The aforementioned 20 teams with negative differentials that made the playoffs — let’s just call them “negadiffoff teams” — were, with just a couple exceptions, led by coaches of the highest caliber. The coaches of negadiffoff teams combined to win eight Jack Adams Awards and nine Stanley Cups — albeit but not in the years when they did some of their best work.

One of them led the 2008-09 Blue Jackets (minus-4) to the first playoff appearance in the history of the franchise. That was Ken Hitchcock.

Another coached the 2005-06 Canadiens (minus-4) and the 2006-07 Boston Bruins (minus-10) to negadiffoffery. That was Claude Julien.

Yet another turned the 2005-06 Tampa Bay Lightning (minus-8), the 2006-07 Lightning (minus-8) and the 2008-09 New York Rangers (minus- 8) into negadiffoff teams.

You know who.

That’s right. John Tortorella — he of “stay above the puck” and “block shots” and “we need a save there” and “yeah” — is the only coach in this century to drag three teams with negative goal differentials into the toughest tournament in the world.

Although Tortorella, 61, keeps an open mind when it comes to advanced metrics, he still leans heavily on two numbers: quality scoring chances for and against. If he has a team that struggles to score — as the current, injury-riddled Jackets do — he gives little or no leeway when it comes to defensive posture. Simple.

If and when the season is rejoined, these Jackets — and the Calgary Flames in the West — will have a chance to join an exclusive group of negadiffoff teams. They’ll have a chance to play with house money in the postseason. 1180659 Columbus Blue Jackets The Ohio State players were dismissed from Indianapolis and given the option to spend time with their families before returning to campus Sunday to start preparing for the NCAA Tournament, which as of Thursday afternoon was still on. The plan was for them to watch the Coronavirus suspends sports as officials try to slow spread NCAA selection show Sunday at Holtmann’s house and, hopefully, begin to prepare for more games.

"Definitely knowing that I won’t be able to play in my last Big Ten Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch Adam Jardy The Columbus tournament, it hurts for sure, but hopefully the NCAA Tournament will still Dispatch Jacob Myers The Columbus Dispatch Steve Blackledge The be in play and we can do our thing in that," senior Andre Wesson said. Columbus Dispatch Mar 12, 2020 at 5:39 PM The NCAA Tournament was later canceled also.

Ohio high school tournaments It started Wednesday night with the NBA taking swift action to suspend its season and steamrolled into Thursday, affecting all levels sports in The Ohio High School Athletic Association fell in line Thursday by Ohio and North America. indefinitely postponing its winter sports tournaments.

The coronavirus pandemic put professional, college and high school The announcement by OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass came seasons alike on hiatus, affecting the Blue Jackets, Ohio State as Dayton Carroll and Beloit West Branch were warming up in St. John basketball, the Crew, Major League Baseball and the Ohio High School Arena for a Division II state semifinal girls basketball game. Athletic Association. Postponed were Columbus-based state tournaments in girls basketball, The Blue Jackets had been set to face the Pittsburgh Penguins on wrestling and ice hockey as well as regional boys basketball games Thursday at what would have been a spectator-less Nationwide Arena, statewide. but they were sent home from their optional morning skate. Hours later, after a teleconference of the league’s Board of Governors, they learned "I don’t want to say canceled. I don’t want to go that far yet," Snodgrass of the indefinite suspension of the NHL season. said. "There’s so much of an unknown right now. We already have our staff members looking at all the what-ifs regarding spring sports if this >> This story is being provided for free as a public service to our readers crisis stretches into June." during the coronavirus outbreak. You can find more stories on coronavirus here. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The Snodgrass had declared Tuesday that only family members would be Columbus Dispatch at subscribe.dispatch.com. permitted to attend tournament games.

"The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts The OHSAA, a nonprofit organization, will take a huge financial hit on the and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments loss of revenue from the tournaments. But Snodgrass said the greater without taking premature or unnecessary measures," a statement issued good would be served by postponing the games. by the league read. "However, following (Wednesday) night’s news that "We have to think of the obvious impact of these mass gatherings," he an NBA player (Utah’s Rudy Gobert) has tested positive for coronavirus said. "When crises like this occur, we need to be united and think about and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms, our society as a whole. Protecting our students and fans is our biggest and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would concern." test positive at some point it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time." Major League Soccer

The NHL ended its statement by saying that the goal is to resume play The Crew’s season was put on hold when Major League Soccer "as soon as it is appropriate and prudent" so that the season can be announced a 30-day suspension of league games. completed and a Stanley Cup champion crowned. In a statement, MLS said it will communicate plans for the continuation of Also Wednesday, MLS suspended its season for 30 days, the Big Ten the 2020 season at an unspecified time. and other major athletic conferences canceled basketball tournaments and the OHSAA indefinitely postponed its winter postseason "Our clubs were united today in the decision to temporarily suspend our tournaments. Operations for MLB teams at spring training sites in Florida season based on the advice and guidance from the CDC, Public Health and Arizona also ground to a halt and opening day was pushed back two Agency of Canada, and other public health authorities, and in the best weeks. interest of our fans, players, officials and employees," commissioner Don Garber said. "We’d like to thank our fans for their continued support The Blue Jackets, who released their own statement Thursday, currently during this challenging time." are in the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot with 81 points. They are one point ahead of the New York Islanders but have played two The Crew was scheduled to play a home match against Real Salt Lake at more games. If point percentage were used to determine which team 5 p.m. Saturday before MLS made its announcement. The club then gets the final playoff spot, it would go to the Islanders. canceled its media availability in the afternoon and issued a statement supporting the league’s decision to suspend the season. Big Ten men’s basketball "The health and well-being of our supporters, players and staff is of the The news wasn’t entirely unexpected, but that didn’t make it any less utmost importance to Crew SC and we appreciate the work of health and shocking. government officials in the context of these unprecedented circumstances," the statement read. "We want to thank all supporters for When Ohio State men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann went to bed their understanding. Updated ticket information will be announced in the Wednesday night, he felt there was a legitimate chance that his team near future." would not be playing in the Big Ten tournament Thursday evening as scheduled against Purdue. Earlier that day, the league had announced MLS did not indicate whether teams would continue practicing. plans to keep fans from attending the games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, and later that night the NBA announced it had suspended Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.13.2020 all operations.

Holtmann had his reservations about playing, he said. But that didn’t ease the sting of having the remainder of the tournament canceled Thursday, with the fate of the NCAA Tournament still unknown.

"We never thought of this in our wildest imaginations, that this (the virus scare) would be taking place," Holtmann said, standing in the wide hallway outside a team meeting room at its hotel. "We understand it. You started to sense as of (Wednesday) night that this could potentially be what takes place.

"There were too many concerns about where this was headed." 1180660 Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL follows suit and suspends season because of coronavirus

Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch Mar 12, 2020 at 1:38 PM

Following the lead of the NBA, MLS and others sports organizations, the NHL announced that it has suspended its season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The league came to its decision ― which it terms a “pause” ― in a Thursday afternoon conference call of its Board of Governors.

The decision was reached a day after the Blue Jackets announced they would prohibit fans from attending a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night at Nationwide Arena, complying with a forthcoming ban on “mass gatherings” with the state’s borders announced Wednesday by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.

>> This story is being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. You can find more stories on coronavirus here. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The Columbus Dispatch at subscribe.dispatch.com.

The Jackets currently hold the second wild-card spot into the Stanley Cup playoffs in the Eastern Conference with 81 points. They are tied in points with the Carolina Hurricanes, who hold the first wild card, but have played two more games. Columbus has also played two more games than the New York Islanders, who are one point back with 80 points.

That is certain to be a sticking point should the league decided to end its regular season without completing all 82 games and start the postseason, as is, whenever clearance is gained to play again.

The NHL followed in the footsteps of the NBA, which froze its season Wednesday night after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. A game in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder, was postponed before tip-off and players from both teams were quarantined in the arena.

As of Thursday morning, no NHL players had tested positive for coronavirus, but the league went with a proactive approach. Seven European professional hockey leagues have already canceled their seasons because of the pandemic, including Switzerland’s top division making the decision overnight.

The Blue Jackets, responding to DeWine’s edict, were the first NHL team to ban spectators from home games. The NCAA soon followed suit in regard to its upcoming “March Madness” men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

Check back for more on this developing story.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180661 Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL tells its teams to cancel morning skates, practices and meetings

Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch Mar 12, 2020 at 10:08 AM

The NHL told its 31 teams Thursday morning not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings because of concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

The league had acknowledged Wednesday night the uncertainty regarding the next steps it might take and said it had been monitoring the NBA's suspension of its season.

The Blue Jackets are schedule to play host to the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m. Thursday in Nationwide Arena.

The Jackets announced Wednesday that admission would be restricted to home and visiting club personnel, credentialed media and broadcast partners, essential club and arena staff and NHL officials.

Check back for more on this developing story.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180662 Columbus Blue Jackets them infirm died from complications brought on by the virus. The vast majority of the deaths were in Hubei.

The first diagnosed case in the U.S. was reported on Jan. 19, near Michael Arace | Pro sports needed to act faster on coronavirus Seattle. As of Wednesday morning, there were more than 1,000 reported cases in 35 states, including Ohio. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 25 deaths. Twelve governors, among them DeWine, declared states of emergency and advised citizens not to Michael Arace The Columbus Dispatch Mar 12, 2020 at 5:46 AM gather in large groups.

Tuesday night, eight NHL games drew a combined crowd of 142,928. Major League Baseball, the NHL, NBA and MLS on Monday released a Ten NBA games drew a combined 158,189. MLS has drawn nearly as joint statement that said: many — 637,020 — through the first two weeks of its season.

"After consultation with infectious disease and public health experts, and The PGA Tour is "allowing" spectators to carry hand sanitizers. Baseball given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and has asked spring training fans in Florida and Arizona to not show up if postgame settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open they’ve been in a "high-risk area." And major sports leagues closed their only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until locker rooms to nonessential personnel. further notice. Media access will be maintained in designated locations More steps were needed, and, as the NBA and Blue Jackets’ outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting." experiences show, will be needed. One only hopes those in charge of Their logic is unsettling. professional sports are finally getting the message.

>> All of our stories about the coronavirus are being provided for free as Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.13.2020 a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. You can find all of our stories here. Please support local journalism by subscribing to the The Columbus Dispatch at subscribe.dispatch.com.

Those four major professional sports leagues decided to keep 20 nonessentials out of each of their locker rooms, for fear of spreading the coronavirus known as COVID-19.

But they were OK with jamming 20,000 to 70,000 fans into their stadiums.

>> NBA suspends season ‘until further notice’ because of coronavirus

>> Blue Jackets prohibit fans from home games due to coronavirus concerns

They were worried for their athletes, who are young, strong and have awesome cardiovascular systems.

But they had no problem packing in fans, including those who might be prone to the worst effects of the virus.

Which infectious disease and public health experts were they consulting? (Joke among yourselves, but keep it down.)

China quarantined the city of Wuhan, population 11 million, where late last year the virus first jumped from animals to humans. Infectious disease and public health experts, presumably those not in the employ of American major professional sports leagues, already see a lesson in Wuhan: The Chinese government was slow in its reaction and gave the disease time and space to spread, and to be exported.

Now the rest of the world is mobilizing to deal with COVID-19. Italy, as in the whole country, is on lockdown. Dublin, as in Ireland, has called off its St. Patrick’s Day parade. The South by Southwest festival has been canceled in Austin, Texas. And so on.

On Tuesday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo deployed National Guard troops to New Rochelle, where more than 100 cases of the virus have been diagnosed. No, this is not a hoax. If you have a scintilla of sentience, you are aware of what is happening and you are preparing for something that could be life-changing.

In Italy, soccer leagues have suspended play. In Greece, Spain, Portugal and elsewhere, the games go on but spectators are temporarily banned. The big tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, was recently canceled just as much of the Arnold Sports Festival was here in Columbus. And so on.

It finally took the diagnosis of an NBA player on Wednesday to get the league to suspend its season. And a threat from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine finally prompted the Blue Jackets on Wednesday to bar fans from its home games.

It is not wise to bring together thousands of people in close proximity amid a pandemic. History enforces this point (see: Spanish flu, 1918).

The vast majority of those who contract COVID-19 either show no symptoms of the illness or fully recover from it. In Wuhan, and in its surrounding province of Hubei, the virus has slowed to a trickle after a three-month run. More than 3,000 Chinese most of them elderly, many of 1180663 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets prohibit fans from home games due to coronavirus concerns

Bill Rabinowitz The Columbus Dispatch

The Blue Jackets announced late Wednesday afternoon that the team will comply with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s request barring fans from games because of health concerns related to the coronavirus.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are aware of Governor DeWine’s announcement today that an order prohibiting mass gatherings in the state of Ohio is forthcoming," the team said in a statement. "We have been in contact with the National Hockey League regarding this matter and will abide by the state’s mandate."

>> This story is being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. You can find more stories on coronavirus here. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The Columbus Dispatch at subscribe.dispatch.com.

Games at Nationwide Arena, starting with Thursday night’s against Pittsburgh, will be played. But admission will be restricted to home and visiting club personnel, credentialed media and broadcast partners, essential club and arena staff and NHL officials.

"The health and well-being of our community is our priority and we appreciate the understanding of our fans, corporate sponsors and guests under these extraordinary circumstances," the Blue Jackets said in the statement.

It was a reversal of the position the team took on Tuesday after DeWine strongly recommended that organizers of large gatherings such as sporting events not allow fans to attend. The Blue Jackets announced later Tuesday that it would not heed DeWine.

"That's his recommendation," Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Wednesday morning. "And as a league, we've decided to play in front of our fans. We take every precaution possible to make sure that people that attend our games are as safe as possible."

A few hours later, DeWine held a news conference in which he said he intended to change his request to an order. The Blue Jackets then relented.

The team will work with season-ticket holders, club and premium-seat holders on credits or refunds for affected games. Single-game ticket buyers will receive a refund through their point of purchase.

Players will have to adjust to playing in a mostly empty arena.

"We feed off the energy a lot of nights with our crowd," captain Nick Foligno said. "But there's a job to do and at a lot of points; you drown them out because you’ve got five other guys trying to kill you on the ice.

"We appreciate what our fan base brings, and obviously we prefer to play in front of them. But our job is to make sure we're ready to play the Pittsburgh Penguins."

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180664 Dallas Stars Single-game tickets purchased through TicketMaster will be subject to TicketMaster’s postponement policies, which include a refund if ticket holders are not able to make a rescheduled date. The Stars said fans that purchased tickets through resale sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, NHL suspends its season amid coronavirus pandemic; teams will not Ticketmaster Exchange, etc., should contact that company’s customer have practices, meetings during suspension service departments.

The Stars are awaiting a COVID-19 test kit for Alexander Radulov, who The Stars also announced that all team events were postponed, missed the last two games due to illness. including Victory Club New Member Event and watch parties. Nill said the Stars were trying to get scouts back home from trips, in addition to

AHL affiliate Texas and ECHL affiliate Idaho. By Matthew DeFranks Dickinson serves as the Stars’ NHLPA player representative and said the union will have a call Friday to discuss issues surrounding the suspension, potentially including whether the players will still get paid. The NHL announced Thursday afternoon the suspension of the rest of its season indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. “I assume it’s because they want to get more answers today and really sort out everything so they can give us definitive answers,” Dickinson “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and said. “Today, it probably would have been a lot of speculation and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of everybody had a ton of questions, I’m sure.” the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with tonight’s The biggest question is: What happens next? games,” the league’s statement said. The NHL said they plan on awarding the Stanley Cup this season, but “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts when? Does the regular season simply end and the NHL goes directly to and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments the postseason? What does a potential postseason look like, whether the without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following 16-team, four-round, best-of-seven format remains the same or not? last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus – The league asked teams for dates in the summer for arena openings, but and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and how late into the summer is the league willing to push its season? (Only it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test six dates in May, June and July at the American Airlines Center are positive at some point – it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to booked.) How does a possible drop in revenue affect next season’s play games at this time. salary cap? What determines when the games can resume? “We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we Those are unknowns right now, as the climate continues to change will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to around public health. take all reasonable precautions – including by self-quarantine, where appropriate. Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and “All those things are questions that probably nobody can answer at this prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the point,” Alberts said. “We’ll just have to wait and see how this all plays Stanley Cup. Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope out.” you stay healthy.” Alberts theorized that the best case involved resuming play in about a The announcement comes a day after the NBA suspended its season, month. and hours after MLS did the same. College basketball conference tournaments around the country were canceled Thursday. On “How that looks, whether you’re finishing the regular season or not, I Wednesday night, the NHL announced the league was consulting “with don’t know,” Alberts said. “I think that’s what the league and leagues are medical experts and is evaluating the options,” before providing a further going to have to figure out. We’re hoping that we can restart in a month update Thursday. or so, but again, that’s fluid.”

The NHL canceled morning skates, practices and media availabilities Alberts was unsure how the business side of the NHL would be affected across the league on Thursday morning before 9 a.m. The league held a by the suspension, since the end of it is unclear at the moment. conference call with the Board of Governors at noon, and announced the “If we come back, like I said, in a month or so after a short pause, the suspension at 12:35 p.m. Teams will not hold practices or meetings teams will be OK,” Alberts said. “If you lose the entire season, that’s a during the suspension. different story, and that will need to be analyzed and we can talk about Stars president Brad Alberts said the organization is encouraging its staff that if that becomes a possibility. Hopefully, that’s not the case.” to work from home unless necessary. Stars general manager Jim Nill On Wednesday night, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he would try to said on The Ticket that players are asked to stay at home. help hourly workers at the American Airlines Center who rely on income “Now, we’ve just got to sit around and wait,” Stars forward Jason from events. Would the Stars look into something similar or in concert Dickinson said. “We’re not allowed to go to the rink and do anything with the Mavs? because we’ve got to let the possibility of contaminating anything or “We’re going to discuss that as a group now and figure that all out,” being contaminated [pass].” Alberts said. “That’ll be a discussion that we’ll have with ownership and Alberts said the team had not tested any Stars players, and Nill said that the management of the AAC.” the team is trying to get a COVID-19 test kit for Alexander Radulov. The wave of North American professional sports suspensions, Radulov has missed the last six days of team activities because he was cancellations and postponements began Wednesday night when Jazz sick, including two games. center Rudy Gobert reportedly tested positive for coronavirus after “We’ll get him tested and go from there,” Nill said. “He’s been fine. He’s feeling ill earlier in the day. The NBA quickly suspended their season bounced back. … Whatever he’s had, he’s fought off no problem. Is it the after news of Gobert’s positive test. corona or not? That’s what we’re waiting to get a test on.” Eleven arenas house both NBA and NHL teams, including the last three Thursday’s scheduled Panthers-Stars game was the most immediate road venues that Utah played in: New York, Boston and Detroit. The day event impacted in Dallas. The Stars were scheduled to skip morning after each of those Jazz games, an NHL team occupied many of the skate Thursday morning anyway for hockey-related reasons, but the same spaces in the arena (the Capitals at Madison Square Garden and Panthers canceled their morning skate shortly after the league’s directive the Lightning at both TD Garden and Little Caesars Arena). to do so. Previously, teams across the league closed their dressing For the Stars, the suspension comes amid a six-game losing streak that rooms to reporters to stop the spread of the coronavirus. has shrunk their lead on third place in the Central Division, and a In a series of frequently asked questions, the Stars said season-ticket postseason berth. The Stars entered Thursday two points ahead of holders and other plan holders will receive credit for all postponed games Winnipeg, four points up on Nashville and five points up on Minnesota. included in their package that will be applied to rescheduled games when Dallas has 13 games scheduled the remainder of the season (seven at play resumes. home and six on the road). Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) and center Willie Cauley-Stein (33) walk off the court after the Dallas Mavericks beat the Denver Nuggets 113-97 on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. During the game, the NBA suspended all games due to the spread of the new coronavirus.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180665 Dallas Stars Millsaps College, another Southern Athletic Association member, as well as the Jackson, Miss., school where Jake played football and golf: After this weekend’s baseball and softball games, all athletic events are suspended until at least April 3. Sherrington: Coronavirus putting sports world on hold may be right call, but that doesn’t make the reality any less harsh Which might as well be forever for those seniors.

SportsDay columnist Kevin Sherrington tells his story of how COVID-19 Look, I get it: This is a pandemic we’re talking about. Even if these has affected his sports-playing family. healthy young athletes aren’t at grave risk, they could spread the disease to someone who is. Ford’s 82-year-old grandfather has COPD. I’d like to keep him around, which might come as a surprise to one of us.

By Kevin Sherrington If it takes wiping these games and events off the map and staying home to make sure COVID-19 comes under control, so be it. But fighting this

way makes it no less difficult to stomach. Simply not how we’re built. In After the towers fell in Manhattan on one of the worst days of our lives, fact, our manner of rising to challenges in general explained the folly of we were told to fight our fears. Live our lives. Because if we didn’t, if we Jimmy Carter’s boycott of the 1980 Olympics after the Soviets’ invasion holed up in our homes instead, the terrorists would win. We embraced of Afghanistan. Carter simply picked the wrong method of retaliation. the fighting sentiment because it was right, and because, for better or Julian Roosevelt, a former gold medalist who represented the U.S. on the worse, it’s our nature. International Olympic Committee, voiced his objections appropriately.

Lately we find ourselves confronted by a different kind of global crisis. “I’m as patriotic as the next guy,” he said, “but the patriotic thing to do is Only this time we’re being told to alter our lifestyles. Suspend activities. for us to send a team over there and whip their [expletive].” Stay home. No sooner had I finished writing that paragraph than Ford sent another Quit, even. text: Two more schools from his conference suspended play.

The Images and stories from 9/11 will haunt me the rest of my days, but Probably only a matter of time now. Jake and I had talked about it earlier. what we were asked to do in response to that crisis was relatively easy, What if we hadn’t decided to drive to Memphis? Conversation in the car, because it was natural. dinner at Rendezvous, a weekend of baseball. If Sunday was the last game we’ll ever see Ford play, we enjoyed it. We surely did. This time, it’s harder. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 03.13.2020 Every other email or tweet or alert brings news of a postponement or cancellation of some event because of COVID-19. Even as you’re reading this, somebody somewhere is thinking about following suit. The rest of us are forced to wait to see who or what’s next.

As shocking as it was to learn that the NBA had suspended play, it could be worse. As Mark Cuban noted, once he’d lifted his jaw off the floor, they’ve got all summer to make up these games. At least the NBA and NHL have covered the better parts of their seasons. On Thursday, MLB canceled the rest of spring training and delayed the season’s start by two weeks. If it goes any longer than that, it’ll be hard to make up those games. Playing at temperature-controlled Globe Life Field in November is one thing; baseball in Boston at Thanksgiving, quite another.

Even so, baseball has survived shortened seasons. A disastrous strike led to a 144-game season in 1995. Prospects of a similar schedule reduction in response to COVID-19 seem possible, if not likely.

Whatever happens, pro sports will resume eventually. The world may be duller in the meantime. Fans will have to figure out what to do with all their time spent on fantasy teams. Maybe you’ll even get a little work done.

But for players, family and fans of college sports, it’s not so easy to cope. Kindly permit a personal note here.

Last weekend, the oldest son, Jake, and I drove to Memphis to see the youngest son, Ford, play baseball. Ford is a senior at Hendrix College, a D-3 school in Conway, Ark. We’ve gone to most of his home games, and this year, because it’s probably the last time we’ll see him play, we’ve widened our realm of possibilities. The series against Rhodes College, ranked 12th in the nation, was hard. Blown out in the first game Saturday; lost the second in extra innings on a walk-off homer. Came back on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to win 3-0. In case you were wondering, and even if you weren’t, Ford drove in two of the runs and scored the other.

On the drive home Sunday, as is our custom, Jake and I talked long into the night about Ford and baseball, two of our favorite subjects. Frankly, we live and die with it a little too much. Maybe you have to know Ford. Everyone should, probably.

Anyway, between texts Wednesday about rain chances and travel and the coming weekend’s games, Ford sent this:

“Apparently all Rhodes athletics are suspended for the rest of the season.”

Just like that. Done.

Every time the phone lights up now, I peek at it with not a little trepidation to see if we’re next. Even as I was writing this, an email arrived from 1180666 Dallas Stars

‘We are just laying low’: Stars players step away as NHL postpones 2020 season

By Sean Shapiro Mar 12, 2020

The Dallas Stars’ Wednesday practice was the final team activity for the foreseeable future, as the NHL suspended play on Thursday afternoon due to the coronavirus.

Although there isn’t an official quarantine, the Stars will not practice for the time being and players have been told to stay home.

“We’ll stay in contact. I can’t say it’ll be daily, but right now we just said, ‘Let’s stay home, let’s gather all the information and I’ll forward information as I get it to you,'” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “These guys condition all year round, these guys train all year round. So that’s not going to be an issue when we do come back. We are just going to work from there and make sure they stay in contact with our trainers, too.”

The Stars haven’t tested players for the virus, but they are waiting to receive a test kit for forward Alexander Radulov, who missed the team’s past two games due to illness. Radulov’s health has improved, but the Stars want to be certain about his status.

Radulov did post an Instagram story on Thursday stating he was healthy and never had any virus.

“He was in quarantine the whole time,” Nill said. “He’s now healthy and might have even been a player tonight (against the Florida Panthers).”

Office employees have been told to work from home if possible. The Stars have also pulled all their scouts off the road.

Similar measure are being taken down in Cedar Park, where the Stars own their AHL team, the Texas Stars. That league is also suspending play for the time being.

Everything is fluid, and there isn’t a real timetable for a return to action. Stars president Brad Alberts said in a conference call on Thursday that best-case scenario could mean the NHL is back up and running in a “month or so.” Nill was optimistic and said he felt that the playoffs would happen, and the Stanley Cup would be awarded in 2020.

“I think we saw what happened in China, and we learned from that. We saw what happened in South Korea, and I think we are getting ahead of it which is very important and being proactive,” Nill said. “I think that’s going to help us. In the short term it’s going to hurt, but in the long term, I think it’s going to get us out of it quicker. And I’m anticipating we are going to play later on in the springtime. That’s the best-case scenario.”

Nill did say, however, there is a point of cancelling the season if the suspension goes a certain length of time.

“What that date is, I don’t know,” Nill said. “I think it’ll be more taken week by week.”

Stars NHLPA representative Jason Dickinson said the postponement wasn’t a surprising development after the NBA suspended operations on Thursday. “It makes sense, and it’s something that needed to happen. We didn’t need to wait for someone to get sick like the NBA, and we use so much of the same facilities as they do,” Dickinson said. “We are just laying low now and trying to stay healthy. None of us really have a good answer of what will happen next.”

The NHL has requested building availability from NHL teams into July, and a number of other options could be explored depending on how long the suspension lasts. If the regular season is over, which is plausible, the Stars would be the third seed in the Central Division heading into the traditional playoff format.

Non-traditional playoff formats could also be explored, and Nill said that general managers discussed contingency plans at their annual meeting in early March.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180667 Dallas Stars reassuring voice that things were going to work out no matter who was behind the bench.

The issue has become that Dallas needed Bowness to have another Stars need Rick Bowness to find the answers to their ongoing spiral voice that he doesn’t appear to have – a voice that actually helps produce NHL offense. This is both systemic – you could break some of that hard-wired programming – and, in deployment, rewards those that are further hard-wired to defense than those mad dashers in Denis By Sean Shapiro Mar 12, 2020 Gurianov and Roope Hintz.

By sticking with checking-line players in key situations and offensive FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Stars interim coach Rick Bowness is looking zone draws, the Stars are sending a frequent message that it’s more for answers. important to live to the next possession than to win this situation outright.

He’s at the helm of a team in the midst of a season-long six-game This message trickles throughout the lineup. While Gurrianov and Hintz winless streak, and the spiral is happening at a time when the teams are creating chances, they’ve almost become drones who only believe behind Dallas in the standings are surging. The Stars have gone from a great defense can lead to great offense. I’ve had these conversations Central Division contender to potentially missing the playoffs, all during a with them. Great defense can and should lead to great offense, but it stretch when an already-cool offense has frozen. shouldn’t be the only mindset of an attack.

After Tuesday’s loss to the New York Rangers, preparation was the first It’s also an offensive mindset that won’t work in the playoffs. Things get issue on Bowness’ mind. The coach says his players aren’t preparing tighter, breaks become less frequent and the teams that succeed in May well, and everyone – coaches included – need to change how they get and June are the ones that grind you down and think creatively with the ready for the opening faceoff. puck at the same time. I frequently think back to the goal that eliminated Dallas in Game 7 last season in St. Louis. Yes, it was scored by a big For Thursday’s game against the Florida Panthers, that means canceling forward in Patrick Maroon, but the goal was really a result of creativity the morning skate and having players stay home. All the meetings that within a physical shift off a faceoff by Blues forward Robert Thomas. would be typically scheduled on game day were instead held after practice Wednesday. It’s not uncommon in the NHL; many teams have So the lasting legacy for Bowness in Dallas – which will also determine eliminated morning skates. But it’s a new thing for Dallas on a non-back- whether or not the team removes his interim tag – will come down to if he to-back, and it’s an exercise in “let’s try something and see if it works.” can find the answers the Stars need him to find. It’s one thing to blame the players, who are certainly deserving of it in many realms. But players Aside from the slow starts, the other thing that Bowness is tasked with don’t carry interim tags, and much of the Stars’ core is locked in for the fixing is the offense that fails to create much of a constant threat. considerable future. Coaches are expandable; players are not.

When the Stars are attacking, it’s not in waves; it’s in single-man pursuits Stars general manager Jim Nill doesn’t have an interim tag, but he might or cycles that fail to create anything resembling a quality chance. When as well have one at this point now that the Stars have lost six in a row. In the Stars do get a quality chance, they tend to shoot right into the a phone call on Monday prior to the loss against the Rangers, Nill was goalie’s chest, and that only happens if they actually connected on a confident the Stars would get out of this funk and that, aside from the no- pass that seems to miss its mark more often than not. show in Nashville, the recent results weren’t that bad, in his mind.

It’s both a player issue and a coaching issue within a Stars system that Nill is extremely loyal to his coaches. He bristled at rumors that the Stars puts a big emphasis limiting the chances against. When you watch would hire ex-Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant midseason. In fact, closely, the Stars often have their third forward into the zone – the F3, in Nill was downright offended, feeling it was a slap in the face of a coach hockey parlance – staying high in the zone, but he is typically already that who has done so much for the team, first as an assistant coach and cheating back defensively, even when the Stars have the puck. now in an interim role.

“Your F3 is a threat offensively, he’s not just there for defensive reasons,” But the Stars need answers, and they need Bowness to find them. Bowness said. “We get that puck, then he’s a threat and he can come to Whether or not he can will determine how many job openings there are in the net and someone else will fill that spot. It’s not a strictly defensive role Dallas this summer. at all. He’s very involved with the offensive part of the game, and when the puck goes to the defense, he’s up supporting them. That F3 is strictly The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 not defensive at all – it’s just as important on the offensive side of the puck, and we encourage them to get involved.”

It’s a nice plan, but is that happening?

“Sometimes he is, but not enough, no,” Bowness admitted. “Sometimes, he’s up there, and he’s not getting the puck. And the D are putting pucks in behind the net when we are trying to use the guy up high … we used him better the last game against Nashville. We didn’t do it as well (against the Rangers).”

No one likes to admit it within the organization, but the Stars’ players have been over-programmed to think defensively. It’s something that’s been drilled into them for three seasons now under three head coaches. It makes sense that there is a natural tendency to think about making sure a rush doesn’t come back the other way instead of trying to help create something on your own.

This brings us to a bigger question, and one that will be answered over the final month of the season and into the playoffs: Is Bowness the right coach to lead the Stars?

It’s important to live in reality, so while Twitter GMs are calling for a coaching change today, that’s not going to happen. It’s also important to remember that while Bowness deserves blame for not being able to squeeze more juice out of the Dallas offense, he also deserves a ton of credit for how he helped steady a rocky ship shaken by Jim Montgomery’s stunning firing in December.

Bowness’ demeanor and familiarity with the group is one of the main reasons the Stars didn’t crumble after the coaching change. The Stars players have said as much, and at that time, they needed a calm, 1180668 Detroit Red Wings

NHL puts season on 'pause'; Detroit Red Wings headed home from D.C.

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Published 1:38 p.m. ET March 12, 2020 | Updated 1:59 p.m. ET March 12, 2020

WASHINGTON — Instead of heading to an arena, the Detroit Red Wings headed home.

The NHL announced Thursday to "pause the 2019-20 season," according to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, starting with Thursday's games over fears of the spread of the coronavirus. The move came one day after the NBA suspended the remainder of its season.

Bettman had a 1 p.m. conference call with NHL governors, limited to one representative from each team.

Bettman said in his statement released Thursday afternoon that since the NHL shares so many arenas with the NBA, "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."

The league's "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."

The NHL Players Associated issued a statement shortly after the NHL suspended its season, calling the decision "an appropriate course of action at this time."

The league advised clubs not to conduct morning skates Thursday morning, but the Wings already had decided Wednesday not to hold one at Verizon Center. There was no availability with media.

The Wings have 11 games left on their schedule, including four at Little Caesars Arena. The Wings had talked of hoping to play spoiler to teams jockeying for playoff positioning, as the Wings were eliminated from the 2020 playoffs on Feb. 21. When they lost, 5-2, to Carolina on Tuesday, that locked the Wings into a last-place finish.

Earlier this week there had been talk of playing games without fans because of COVID-19 fears, but as fear of the virus increased, the NHL became one of many leagues reacting to those fears. On Monday night, the NHL, MLB, NBA and Major League Soccer issued a joint statement saying locker rooms and clubhouses would be open only to players and and essential team employees.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180669 Detroit Red Wings He smiled. "Yeah, right.” There are still limits

Placing a bet in Michigan is not completely like Vegas. Not yet. Stadiums are closed, but Michigan's sportsbooks are open: Inside Day 1 of sports betting “We are not doing what they call negative bets, like who will fumble, who will throw an interception,” said Louis Theros, MGM Grand's vice

president and general counsel. “Those are called negative prop bets. The Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press gaming board did not authorize those.

Published 6:01 a.m. ET March 12, 2020 "For the NCAA, you can do team bets, but no individual bets for the NCAA. You can’t have, 'Will (MSU guard) Cassius Winston score over 20'. The gaming board does not allow that bet as of yet.”

Eric Adams clutched $500 in one hand and a list of bets in his other. He Also, there is no international betting at MGM Grand. was the first one in line at MGM Grand Detroit on Wednesday afternoon — a moment that felt both historic and a little surreal — when it became “We don’t have any international sports right now," he said. "I’m eager to legal to place live sports bets at casinos in Michigan. launch that in April or May."

“It’s like a dream come true,” said Adams, 38, of St. Clair Shores. “I go to All in all, a back corner of Detroit started to look and feel like Vegas. Vegas all the time for the (NCAA) tournament. Now, I get to stay here.” Cashiers stood at six cash registers, waiting to take bets — a $10 As Adams stood in line in front of 37 others, a group of celebrities placed minimum at the window, $5 at the kiosks. the first bets. Then, it went from surreal to, well, a little farfetched when Tom Novock Former Tigers pitcher Dave Rozema bet the 2020 Tigers would win more placed a $10 bet for the Lions to win the Super Bowl. than 56.5 games, a number that several people took the under of. And “You feeling all right?” I asked him. Lions broadcaster Lomas Brown took the Lions to win more than 6.5 games in 2020. He smiled.

“It’s awesome,” Adams said. “I love it. I go to Vegas two or three times a “I’m getting everybody Christmas presents. I’m doing my shopping right year. Or I’d go through Windsor or through a bookie.” now.”

Sports betting also went live at Greektown Casino on Wednesday and Welcome to Detroit, 2020: Where you can Christmas-shop at a will start at Motor City Casino on Thursday. Proponents hope that online sportsbook. and mobile-app betting will be legalized in a year. “It’s great,” Novock, 69, of Detroit, said. “It’s 2,000 miles closer than “This is to ensure that people don't have to go to the bookies anymore,” Vegas and I don’t have to stand in line at Metro.” said State Rep. Brandt Iden (R-Portage), who has worked on getting sports betting in Michigan for 4 ½ years. “People aren't going to get their For the record, it took Novock several minutes to finish his bet. legs broken for not paying their bills. This is a legal safe, fun sports Gregory Ponders might have been the first person from the general venue.” public to place a bet.

Balancing betting and sanitary practices He also looked the most thrilled.

We are living in a time when news stories seem to slam together — one “Man, I’m about to have a heart attack,” Ponders said, after putting $10 event impacting another. on MSU to win the NCAA tournament. “I’m sweating.”

On the same day several people were placing bets for either Michigan or He held up his betting slips. Michigan State to win the NCAA tournament — not to mention other teams — both MSU and U-M announced they were going to online “Man, this is fantastic,” he said. “I think it’s so cool. I love the excitement learning because of the coronavirus. of it.”

Hours later, the NCAA announced that all tournament games will be held with no fans, which seems like the right thing to do. The Big Ten originally announced plans to allow fans at its tournament, but reversed Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.13.2020 course later in the day.

It was surreal and strange and it all sort of blended together.

At MGM, there were long lines of bettors, and people were packed together in places, but nobody seemed concerned about the virus that has turned into a global pandemic, according to the World Health Organization.

MGM has placed hand sanitizer dispensing stations in high-traffic areas such as entrances, exits, elevator landings and hotel lobbies. The casino says that it has increased the frequency of disinfecting procedures, putting a focus on faucets and toilet flush levers, doorknobs and locks, entrance and exit doors and door handles, handrails and slot machine handles and armrests.

A hand sanitizer station was set up in front of nine sports betting kiosks.

After Vinny Gonella placed some bets at a kiosk, he went to the hand sanitizer station and got a squirt of disinfectant.

“Because kiosks are notorious for nastiness,” said Gonella, 60, of Dearborn.

“Just being preventative,” said his 28-year-old son, Nick.

Gonella bet the Tigers' under and the Lions' over.

“I’ve been watching the Lions since the '60s, and this is the year,” Gonella said, enthusiastically. 1180670 Detroit Red Wings

Under-18 world championships canceled in Plymouth, Ann Arbor

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News

Published 1:21 p.m. ET March 12, 2020 | Updated 5:24 p.m. ET March 12, 2020

Detroit – The International Ice Hockey Federation has canceled the upcoming under-18 men’s world championships, which were to take place in Plymouth and Ann Arbor.

The tournament was scheduled to be held April 16-26 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth and the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.

The U-18 tournament is a final chance for prospects to make an impression on NHL talent evaluators.

The decision to cancel, just like numerous other leagues and tournaments, is a response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Most pro leagues in Europe and world championship tournaments have been cancelled or postponed, other than the men’s world championship in Switzerland beginning in early May.

Detroit News LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180671 Detroit Red Wings “It is surreal," Blashill said during Wednesday’s media availability. “It’s times that we probably haven’t necessarily all lived through. It definitely shows you how interconnected we all are in the world today and how fast stuff like this can obviously spread.” NHL suspends season amid coronavirus concerns Speculation earlier in the week that pro leagues would be temporarily suspended didn’t shock forward Luke Glendening.

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News “Sports don't exist in a vacuum. We feel the stuff the real world does as well,” Glendening said. “Our thoughts and prayers are to those people Published 9:31 a.m. ET March 12, 2020 | Updated 4:54 p.m. ET March who've been affected by it. You just have to try and stay as safe as you 12, 2020 can.”

Where the NHL goes from here it anyone’s guess. A term many national Detroit — The NHL has suspended its season, it announced Thursday. analysts - and earlier in the week,, coaches and players - used, was "uncharted waters". With the coronavirus pandemic surging, and every professional and collegiate sports league postponing events and tournaments, the NHL There are only 185 regular-season games remaining — the Wings had made the expected decision. 13 games left — or roughly 15 percent of the schedule.

The NHL, which shares many arenas with the NBA, is mulling its options It’s unlikely any of those games would be made up, with speculation the Thursday morning regarding the remainder of its regular season. NHL would likely jump straight into the playoffs when — or if — it resumes the schedule. “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of When the NHL had a shortened 2012-13 season because of a labor the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing lockout, the league had a 48-game season with full playoffs taking place today that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with tonight’s until late June. games," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. But even going about beginning the playoffs currently would be a “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts headache. and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments Many playoff-contending teams have played between 68 and 71 games; without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following there is no uniformity. Early speculation around the league is if play does last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus resume, teams’ winning percentage could be considered as the way to — and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms seed teams. 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 Losing the playoffs would be a major financial blow to the NHL, which to play games at this time. depends heavily on gate revenue.

“We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we Not having these final regular-season games — and possibly the will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to lucrative playoffs — would put a severe dent in league revenues and take all reasonable precautions — including by self-quarantine, where likely decrease the salary cap for next season. 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 There’s also the issue of the draft lottery, which is crucial for the Red Stanley Cup. Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope Wings. you stay healthy.” The Wings have long held the 31st and final spot in the league standings How long the NHL’s hiatus lasts, nobody knows. And there is serious and officially clinched the position recently. doubt whether there will be time to hold the playoffs and award the Normally, that would guarantee the Wings the best odds, 18.5 percent, of Stanley Cup, which has not been awarded only twice since 1893 — in landing the No. 1 overall pick in a draft lottery. 1919, when the final was cancelled after five games because of the Spanish flu, and in 2005 when the season was wiped out because of a But would that (the draft lottery) necessarily be the route the NHL goes if labor lockout. there is no completed 82-game regular season? No one knows.

The Red Wings released a statement after the league made its decision later in the afternoon. Detroit News LOADED: 03.13.2020 "Given the recent decision by the NHL to pause the season, all games are postponed until further notice. Plans are being developed for future games and we will notify you as soon as we have information to share," the Red Wings said.

With the coronavirus threat growing by the day, the NBA suspended its season indefinitely Wednesday after a player tested positive for the virus.

The NHL Players Association issued their own statement Thursday: “The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time. The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

The Red Wings did not have a morning skate Thursday — nor did any team around the NHL, as all skates, practices and team meetings were canceled, a precursor for the announcement later in the afternoon for the 10 games on the schedule.

The Red Wings traveled to Washington on Wednesday afternoon, and had a game scheduled against the Capitals on Thursday evening, and Saturday in Tampa Bay.

After Wednesday’s practice, coach Jeff Blashill and players were prepared for a possible major announcement, given the way developments were headed. 1180672 Detroit Red Wings Michigan became the 20th state in the country to legalize sports wagering in December, and Wednesday became the 16th state to start taking bets, nearly 22 months after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 Niyo: Trio of brick-and-mortar sportsbooks begins ‘new era’ of betting in (PASPA) and effectively lifted the federal law prohibiting sports betting. Detroit The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved temporary licenses for Detroit’s three casinos to begin operating their brick-and-mortar sportsbooks this week — just in time for March Madness — but mobile John Niyo, The Detroit News betting options are still several months away. Iden says he hopes that will Published 11:40 p.m. ET March 11, 2020 | Updated 4:05 a.m. ET March happen by the end of the year, or early 2021 in time for the Super Bowl. 12, 2020 And whenever it does happen, that’ll account for the bulk of a yearly handle that officials hoped would approach $200 million and, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury, add an estimated $19 million in annual revenue for the state. Detroit — After a long wait in a line that snaked around a corner, hemmed in by velvet ropes and crowd-control stanchions inside the Bets are off? MGM Grand Detroit casino, and after a much longer wait that Daron Beasley estimates has lasted nearly half his life, the 50-year-old Detroiter Those numbers figure to take a serious hit now, of course, with the sports had no trouble summing up his feelings Wednesday afternoon. world threatening to go dark for the foreseeable future. Still, the bottom line is this was hailed as progress. “Oh, man, it’s a relief,” he said, smiling broadly, after becoming one of the very first Michigan residents to take part in legalized sports betting in the "Michigan is a sports-mad state," said Matt Prevost, a University of state. Michigan alum who is now the chief marketing officer for Roar Digital, a joint venture between MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings, the British- In his hand, Beasley held a pair of betting slips from his initial wagers on based sports betting giant. "And frankly here in Detroit, we’re in the Wednesday’s college basketball action: a $10 parlay and $16 round- middle of a renaissance of sorts. You have four (pro sports) teams within robin bet that’d be worth nearly $350 if he cashed both. four blocks of one another, in close proximity to this casino. It couldn’t be a better venue, couldn’t be a better state for us to compete. ... Hours later, with the sports world seemingly shutting down in response to the coronavirus pandemic, all bets were off — figuratively speaking — “Initially, there are a lot of customers who feel more comfortable in an in- about just where the action will come from for eager gamblers here. person setting. But over time, you’ll see 80-90 percent of the business will go toward mobile.” But in his mind, Beasley felt as if he’d already hit the jackpot, emptying an online gambling account he’d used for more than a decade — through For now, though, David Tsai, president and CEO of MGM Detroit, was the Panama-based BetOnline — and planning to be a daily customer anticipating as many as a few thousand daily wagers at the sportsbook, now at the trio of sportsbooks open for business in downtown Detroit. which has been packed on recent nights — even without the in-house MGM Grand and Greektown casinos began taking sports bets betting option — for everything from a Michigan-Michigan State Wednesday, while the MotorCity Casino will follow suit Thursday morning basketball game to an Ultimate Fighting Championship card. Lots of with a sportsbook operated by FanDuel. bettors Wednesday were jumping on the Tigers' over-under win total (56 1/2) for the upcoming season. “Once I win, I can get my money right then and there, instead of waiting on some offshore book to send me money,” explained Beasley, an avid “Sports betting isn’t just a gambling activity,” Tsai said. “It’s part of the baseball fan who says he’s been betting on sports since 1997. “And this sports entertainment experience.” adds a little excitement to my life.” And it’s one reason Louis Theros, MGM Grand’s vice president and Legal, safe, fun general counsel, sounded a bit relieved Wednesday as well, following months of questions from regular customers. On Wednesday, before the NBA suspended its season and other sports leagues and governing bodies finished weighing their options, Beasley's "It has been palpable in here," Theros said. “My office is upstairs by the was far from the only excited voice in the crowd. hotel, but I walk the floor multiple times a day and as soon as someone would see my badge, holy mackerel, it was non-stop, ‘When’s it coming? Gamblers gathered outside the casino’s newly-renovated $6.5 million When will it start?’" BETMGM Sports Lounge, outfitted with 60 HD TV screens, a full bar with tabletop video poker machines, lounge seating as well as a half-dozen Wednesday, that all came to an end, just as what Tsai described as a betting windows and 15 self-service betting kiosks. And yes, with "new era" in Detroit began in earnest. dispensers of Purell hand sanitizer ready and waiting, though it's probably a safe bet you won't find a more risk-averse population than in a "And based upon that line I’m seeing over there," laughed Iden, casino sportsbook. motioning over to where Beasley and others stood patiently waiting for the green light, "it's even more than I anticipated." Gregory Ponders, 62, of Detroit, placed a pair of $10 bets — one of them on the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA title — and then joked, “I’m about to have a heart attack. I’m so excited, I’m sweating!” Detroit News LOADED: 03.13.2020 Nearby stood the lawmaker who’d labored for nearly five years to make this day happen. Brandt Iden, a third-term Republican state representative from the Kalamazoo area, has spent most of his time in office spearheading the legislative push to allow sports betting and expand online gaming in Michigan.

“This, for me, is a legacy project,” said Iden, whose effort has spanned 220 state reps, two governors and one veto — a stunning lame-duck TKO that then-Gov. Rick Snyder delivered just after Christmas in 2018.

“But we’re here today, and that’s the most important thing,” added Iden, one of a handful of celebrity VIPs who stepped to the MGM betting windows first — he bet $100 for a chance to win $350 if Michigan State wins the Big Ten Tournament — following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This is not just about the economic impact for the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan. This is also about protecting consumers. This is to ensure that people don’t have to go to their bookies anymore — they’re not gonna get their legs broken for not paying their bills. This is about legal, safe, fun sports betting.” 1180673 Detroit Red Wings

Grand Rapids Griffins sidelined as AHL joins others in suspending season due to coronavirus

Updated Mar 12, 2020; Posted Mar 12, 2020

By Peter J. Wallner | [email protected]

The American Hockey League on Thursday afternoon followed the lead of the NHL and others in announcing it was suspending the season due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

A brief statement from the league said “With the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans of primary importance, the American Hockey League has announced the suspension of play until further notice, effective immediately.”

The Griffins, who played at home Wednesday before an average midweek crowd of 5,397, were scheduled to host Bakersfield on Friday and Saturday.

The league has about a month left in the season before the start of the postseason. The Griffins have 13 games remaining.

During Wednesday’s game, Griffins president Tim Gortsema discussed the decision-making over playing the games and/or playing without fans:

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180674 Detroit Red Wings

NHL suspends season as coronavirus precaution

Updated Mar 12, 2020; Posted Mar 12, 2020

By Ansar Khan | [email protected]

The NHL has suspended its season due to concerns about the coronavirus, joining other sports leagues across the country and the world, including the NBA.

“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 is will pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight’s games," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

The Detroit Red Wings were in Washington Thursday preparing to face the Capitals tonight but will now return home. The Red Wings (17-49-5) had 11 games remaining, four of them scheduled for Little Caesars Arena.

Bettman went on to state: “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 now it seems likely that some members 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.”

The NHL is hoping this suspension will be temporary and it will be able to resume and complete the regular season schedule. For the time being, teams reportedly will not practice, conduct meetings or travel.

“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,” Bettman said. “Our goals 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 the NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay healthy.”

The Red Wings said in a statement on Twitter: “Given the recent decision by the NHL to pause the season, all games are postponed until further notice. Plans are being developed for future games and we will notify you as soon as we have information to share.”

The NHL Players Association released the following statement:

“The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time. The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180675 Detroit Red Wings

Veteran Brian Lashoff speaks about milestone game with Grand Rapids Griffins

Updated Mar 12, 2020; Posted Mar 12, 2020

By Peter J. Wallner | [email protected]

GRAND RAPIDS - It takes more than skill to last 11 seasons in one organization, let alone 500 games with the same AHL team as Brian Lashoff accomplished Wednesday with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

“I think that speaks to his work ethic and how he takes care of himself and what a professional he is,” Griffins coach Ben Simon said after Lashoff pulled his regular shift on defense in a 4-1 win at home against Iowa.

Lashoff, the coach added, "has been a young guy coming into the league, a young guy fighting to stay in the league and now he's a vet helping some of our younger guys develop into future NHL players. I think he takes that responsibility really seriously and I think he's really good at it."

Lashoff, an undrafted free agent signed in 2008, debuted with the Griffins late in 2009 and began in earnest with a full season in 2011-12. He is one of only three players on both Griffins' Calder Cup championship teams in 2012-13 and 2016-77 (along with Nathan Paetsch and Mitch Callahan).

He has served with the Detroit Red Wings as well through the years, playing 136 games - including the entire 2013-14 season - as a steady fill-in. The number includes nine games with the Red Wings this season.

Lashoff's 500 games place him second on the Griffins' all-time list, behind 655 by Travis Richards (1996-2006). He is the longest active serving AHL player with one team. For a unique perspective, the most recent player with a longer stint is Bill Needham, the all-time leader of 981 games with the Cleveland Barons. His career ended in 1971.

Lashoff has no intention of slowing down.

“I love playing in this city and I love winning in this city. It’s been like a second home for me, and now my wife,” he said. “So, I’ll play until they tell me I can’t. That’s the mindset I’ll have. I still feel great, my body feels great.”

Lashoff won’t go anywhere soon. The organization signed him to a two- year contract extension last March.

Oh, and one more thing: He's also 29 years old.

Lashoff smiled at that.

"I think a lot of people might think I'm a little older for the amount of games I've played here."

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180676 Edmonton Oilers For hockey fans, this is tough. The Oilers were finally having a good season, poised to make the playoffs and maybe play the Calgary Flames in a first round battle that would have brought the province to a standstill. Instead, the province is heading toward a standstill already. TYCHKOWSKI: Edmonton Oilers, like everyone else, coming to grips with NHL shutdown The Oilers wouldn’t comment on the situation Thursday, but head coach Dave Tippett’s comments from Wednesday night capture the mood perfectly.

Robert Tychkowski “There is a feeling of bewilderment,” he said. “You understand that this is a world health crisis, but we have never gone through anything like this March 12, 2020 10:58 PM MDT and there has been nothing that has affected the game like this.

“You understand when you are going through lockouts and things like It’s a move that everyone saw coming and it still sent a massive shock that, that there is a business part of the game, but this is a health part of wave across North America. the game, a life part of the game. It affects everybody, not just sports. It is a turbulent time in the world and we will just have to deal with it as it In a situation that gets more unsettling by the hour, the National Hockey comes.” League joined most of the sports world in suspending play until the planet gets some sort of handle on the potentially lethal coronavirus.

The NBA, Major League Baseball, the NCAA basketball tournament, the Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.13.2020 PGA, Major League Soccer, mens and women’s tennis, the women’s world hockey championships, the world figure skating championships and numerous other leagues and events have all suspended or cancelled play in the biggest sports shutdown since World War II.

Shuttering our arenas might seem like a frightening development, but it’s actually good news. It means that we as a society are taking this seriously by employing a logical, proactive step to slow the spread of a highly contagious threat.

When a global pandemic is trying to dig roots and spread across a continent, bringing thousands of people together under one roof for hours at a time, for no other reason than to cheer on a team, is reckless and dangerous.

Financially, there is no denying these are drastic measures that could could end up costing franchises, networks and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars. It will put a terrible strain on ancillary workers in the arenas and hospitality workers in the cities, people whose livelihoods depend on the games being played. But there was no real choice.

“We fully support the decision of the NHL to pause the 2019-20 season,” Edmonton Oilers chairman Bob Nicholson said in a statement released by the club Thursday. “We want to get back to playing games as soon as possible, but this decision is in the best interest of our fans, employees and players.

“Our focus is on their health and safety and doing what we can to combat the spread of the virus. Some things are bigger than the game of hockey.”

There aren’t many of those things in Canada, but this is one. And once the dominos started falling, there was no stopping them.

While leagues all over Europe were already cancelling games or playing in empty stadiums, North American sports bodies weren’t walking away from the money until they could see the whites of Covid-19’s eyes.

They came face to face with it Wednesday evening, when Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert, who’d been careless in preventing the spread of what was yet an undetermined illness, tested positive for the virus. In less than an hour, the NBA closed its doors until further notice.

Not long after that, the NHL called an emergency meeting for Thursday afternoon and decided that with visiting NBA locker room facilities used by hockey teams as well, it is “likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point, so it is no longer appropriate to try and play games at this time.”

This is not unprecedented, it’s just been 100 years since anything like this has ever happened. The 1919 Stanley Cup final was cancelled because of the Spanish flu pandemic that killed over 20 million people worldwide.

The league says its goal is to resume the season when it becomes appropriate and prudent, “so that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup,” but not even health experts on the front lines of the fight have any idea when that will be.

So everyone takes a step back, takes a deep breath (so long as no one else is standing near them) and waits to see what happens next. 1180677 Edmonton Oilers

What happens to NHL draft if games go into late June?

Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal

March 12, 2020 7:01 PM MDT

If the NHL’s hiatus only lasts a month because of the coronavirus pandemic and they get up and running, but they’re still playing games in late June or July, what happens to the NHL draft scheduled for June 26- 27 at the Bell Centre in Montreal?

Could they do the draft over the phone like they did in early August, 1979 when the Oilers picked some kid named with their first choice, 21st overall, in a six-round draft. When do they have the draft lottery, which is supposed to come in late April during the 2020 playoffs?

What are the NHL amateur scouts thinking with the junior leagues pausing their seasons and if they don’t resume, there’s no playoffs to eyeball players? Or now that they’ve cancelled the world under 18 championship in Michigan April 16-26, which is the last good look for NHL scouts in the lead-up to the actual draft and their rankings, now what?

“I remember the day of that 1979 draft for sure, my agent in those days Al Eagleson thought I was supposed to go earlier than I did but there were a lot of 18-year-olds from the World Hockey Association who came in,” said Lowe, the vice-chair of Oilers Entertainment Group. “I was looking forward to the whole experience but there was a lot of unknown that summer when I was going to be held. Not like now with social media or twitter where the news gets out.”

He certainly knows an NHL draft in 2020 in Montreal at the hockey home of the Canadiens is a much bigger deal than it was over 40 years ago when it was held at the venerable Queen Elizabeth Hotel there.

Lowe was 19 then and playing junior for the back then. He was picked right after his junior teammate winger Michel Goulet went to the Nordiques at No. 20.

“It’s a big deal for any city having the draft today, it pumps up the game,” said Lowe. “Lots of logistics, lots of hotels booked, lots of lost revenue to the city.”

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180678 Edmonton Oilers know if you have it, and if you do, you’re self-quarantined in your house,” he said. “As far as I know, no players have tested positive for it.

“I’m not sure why the IIHF didn’t step in and say all their leagues were, Hockey games are still being played in Sweden and few other places say, shut down for three weeks, and then they would look at things and see what was happening (coronavirus cases).”

Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.13.2020 March 12, 2020 6:07 PM MDT

While hockey leagues around the globe have suspended or cancelled their seasons because of the coronavirus, they were still playing games in Sweden, Finland and in the playoffs in Russia Thursday.

“Yeah, last league games for everybody tonight, but without fans, no scouts, no agents in the building. Only people allowed in are the media working the game,” said one-time Oilers goalie Mike Zanier, who does colour commentary in Vaxjo in Sweden where Canucks Elias Pettersson and former Oilers farmhand Joel Persson once played.

“The Swedish League had already put the playoffs on hold until March 24 but after this decision by the NHL, they’ll have to figure out what to do,” said Zanier, who is following the NHL hitting the pause button closer than most over there because he has a long history with the Oilers.

Plus, Vaxjo defenceman Persson was with the Oilers organization until traded to Anaheim last month.

“Our league went from full crowds last Saturday (game 50 of the 52- game season) to nothing today. The rink in Vaxjo seats just under 5,800. A game with no fans (Vaxjo was in Karlstad to play against Farjestads) I’m sure would seem just like a practice. I’ve actually played in one game with no fans when I was in Italy in Milan in the early 90s. It got so ugly between the two fan groups (two teams in Milan) that they refused to allow fans in the building for our least league game. There had been fights and fans were throwing things onto the ice,” he said.

“An 11,000 seat arena in Milan and no fans. Such a weird feeling. You could hear echoes in the building,” said Zanier, who knows what it’s like to have a closed rink.

But on Thursday, there were seven games around Sweden with no fans, including one involving Oilers 2019 top draft defenceman Philip Broberg playing in his home base Skelleftea against top-ranked Lulea.

In Finland, where ex-Oiler winger Jesse Puljujarvi is playing in Oulu, they were doing the same. No spectators as Puljujarvi got the OT winner in a league game for Karpat at Vaasa. After the games Thursday, they’ve decided to pause their game schedule for a week to see how things go, which seems a buy-some-time scenario.

In Moscow, the Dynamo-Spartak sixth game of the first playoff round was closed, and just on TV Thursday. For Round 2, teams are still selling tickets, but Igor Eronko, the ace sportswriter covering the KHL from his Moscow home, feels the league will pause the playoffs in a few days.

Obviously the KHL is looking at Moscow and coronavirus more closely than some other cities still in the playoffs because on the subway there, you’re seeing millions of people trying to live their lives every single day.

Leagues have shut their doors in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Poland, Slovakia (Peter Draisaitl was coaching in Kosice), obviously Italy.

The coronavirus hasn’t hit Sweden, which houses maybe the second best league in Europe after the KHL, as hard as some places. The community spread threat of COVID-19 isn’t up to this point enough to cancel or suspend the league in Sweden. But Zanier is concerned like everybody else.

“The coronavirus is gathering steam in Sweden. There were about 500 cases with one person passing away, but today I looked and it’s gone up by 183 new cases. There’s lot of Swedes who go to Italy, it’s a big tourist attraction for skiers, they take busloads to the mountains for a couple of weeks and come home. Lots of those people have been diagnosed with it,” said Zanier.

“It’s pretty easy to get tested (for coronavirus) here. They don’t want you going to the hospital if you’re feeling sick. They come out to you because they don’t want anybody else getting sick. They take a swab and let you 1180679 Edmonton Oilers when the Seattle Metropolitans were playing the Montreal Canadiens for the Cup in 1919. The Cup also wasn’t awarded in 2005 due to the NHL lockout.

JONES: NHL puts pause on regular season due to COVID-19 outbreak How long will it take for Vegas odds makers to produce a betting line on whether the NHL teams will return to the ice? And what might they be? Two-to-one? Three-to-one?

Terry Jones With the World Health Organization having declared this a pandemic and no quick cure having been discovered, it’s hard to see the NHL being March 12, 2020 5:27 PM MDT able to take the finger off the pause button prior to the April 6 planned start of playoff play.

The plan is to “pause.” The NBA has told the teams play will be suspended for 30 days minimum. That’s the word commissioner Gary Bettman used in a statement released Thursday. Most NHL teams have 10-12 regular season games to play and the Edmonton Oilers for one, have seven remaining at home that if left un- “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and played would require refunding money to season ticket holders. It is after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of believed the players will receive their salaries for the rest of the season the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing whether the games are played or not. today that it will pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight’s games.” It’s been such a spellbinding season in the Western Conference with the scramble for playoff positions with out-of-town scoreboard watching Pause. throughout the second half of the schedule and great debate about where teams would end up and the prospects of an Edmonton-Calgary So how, exactly, does a league pause? first-round playoff series. Fans are left today to debate whether the Tell all the players to remain in their cities and maybe even self-isolate league will eventually have to declare the current standings final for 14-days? Give the players a few days off and return to practice in (Edmonton sits second in the Pacific) and proceed to the playoffs. private? Give them most of a month off and start making plans for a short What if it isn’t “prudent” to return to the arenas around the league for two training camp? Start clearing arena dates (if entertainment acts don’t do months? Three? it on their own by cancelling tours?) into June and July? A pause? Start formulating alternatives like best-of-five playoff series? Best of threes? I suspect that the expectations of most Edmonton fans after pausing for two or three weeks will be that the Oilers return to the playoffs for the Things changed in a hurry with the NHL Wednesday night when it was second time since the team managed to get to Game 7 of the Stanley revealed that Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz had tested positive for the Cup Final in 2006 will have to be the 2020-21 season. virus.

There was no dodging it. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.13.2020 “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,” said Bettman in his statement.

“However, following last night’s news than 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 play the games at this time.”

Until Wednesday night the NHL could have claimed to be different than basketball.

There’s glass and boards between the players and the fans. The players aren’t putting their bare hands on a big round ball and perspiring all over each other. And many of their markets such as Edmonton, Calgary and especially Winnipeg where Sun columnist Paul Friesen has my vote for ‘Tweet of the Year’ — “Not even the virus wants to come to Winnipeg” — were deemed low risk areas for 18,000 people to gather together at a venue.

But all of that changed Wednesday evening when Gobert tested positive for coronavirus and the NBA moved swiftly to suspend their season.

Bettman made no mention of being one of the last sports entities to still be up and running and that suddenly the league had a perception problem.

There will be much editorializing that the NHL did the right thing. But they were proceeding to play with an empty building or two with no sign of suspending the season Wednesday. There was no indication that taking a “pause” at any point was anywhere in the grand plan.

“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,” said Bettman in the release.

The next question, of course, is whether this is really going to be a timeout or eventually turns into the end of the season 101 years after the Stanley Cup wasn’t awarded due to the Spanish ‘Flu Epidemic back 1180680 Edmonton Oilers Requests for comment from general manager Kirt Hill were redirected to the WHL, who have yet to respond.

The Memorial Cup is scheduled to be hosted by the Kelowna Rockets Oil Kings on ice as WHL follows NHL lead and puts hiatus on season from May 22-31. That tournament is now in jeopardy as there is uncertainty in regards to the rest of the schedule. The Oilers and Oil Kings have never made their respective playoffs in the same year. The Oilers were in a playoff position when the NHL paused the season. Derek Van Diest “We will continue to follow protocols as laid out by the WHL and March 12, 2020 5:15 PM MDT Canadian Hockey League, and will continue to work in close consultation with health and government officials,” the Oil Kings said in a statement. “We will provide additional information as we learn more on this evolving The were in the home stretch of their Western issue. Hockey League season, but once the NHL paused play due to the COVID-19 outbreak, they were always going to be the next domino to “The health and safety of our players, fans and employees is our top fall. priority. We thank our fans for their support and understanding as we work through this unprecedented period.” The Oil Kings, just like the Edmonton Oilers, are in limbo as the Canadian Hockey League announced the suspension of play in all three of its member leagues, putting the WHL, OHL and QMJHL playoffs and Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.13.2020 Memorial Cup in jeopardy.

“The Canadian Hockey League and its three regional leagues the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League, take the health and safety of our players, fans, volunteers, staff, and general public very seriously,” the CHL said in a statement. “CHL President Dan MacKenzie with Commissioners David Branch, Gilles Courteau, and Ron Robison have been monitoring the situation in regards to the coronavirus (COVID-19) including what local, provincial, and federal health agencies have recommended.

“Following consultation with medical professionals and meetings today among the CHL Executive Council, and regional league Board of Governors, the CHL announces that the balance of the 2019-20 season and all hockey activity shall be paused immediately until further notice.”

The NHL decided to pause the 2019-20 season Thursday following the NBA’s lead the night before after it was revealed Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus and his teammate Donovan Mitchell was infected as well.

The Oil Kings had four games left in their regular-season schedule. They were first in the Eastern Conference standings with a 42-12-6-4 record this season. The Oil Kings were to face the Hurricanes, on the road, on Friday in the first game of a home-and-home series. The Oil Kings were to host the Hurricanes on Sunday at Rogers Place, which has now gone dark.

“Following a conference call with the WHL Board of Governors, the Western Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019- 20 WHL season, effective immediately,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison in a statement. “The WHL takes the safety of our players, officials, staff, fans, and everyone associated with the WHL very seriously. We will continue to monitor ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19. Our goal is to return to play when it is safe and reasonable to do so.

“We thank WHL fans and partners for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented time.”

The Oil Kings were to conclude their regular-season schedule on March 20 and 21 with a home-and-home series against the . Edmonton were to meet either the Calgary Hitmen or in the first-round of the WHL playoffs, would have started towards the end of the month.

“Oilers Entertainment Group supports the decision of the Western Hockey League to pause play for the 2019-20 season until further notice,” said Edmonton Oil Kings Chairman, Bob Nicholson in a statement. “We are eager to have both the Edmonton Oil Kings and Edmonton Oilers return to the ice, but our main priority needs to be doing our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“We encourage our fans, players and staff to remain diligent and safe during these uncharted times.”

The Oil Kings ended a two-year playoff drought last season and made it to the Eastern Conference final before being eliminated by the eventual WHL champion Prince Albert Raiders. The Oil Kings were looking to improve on that playoff run this year and were looking to get to the WHL final for the first time since winning the league and the Memorial Cup in 2014. 1180681 Edmonton Oilers “We fully support the decision of the NHL to pause the 2019-20 season. We want to get back to playing games as soon as possible, but this decision is in the best interest of our fans, employees and players. Our focus is on their health and safety and doing what we can to combat the NHL pauses 2019-20 season due to coronavirus concerns spread of the virus. Some things are bigger than the game of hockey.” – Edmonton Oilers Chairman Bob Nicholson

The WHL, along with the two the leagues in the Canadian Hockey Derek Van Diest League, announced they would be suspending play following The NHL March 12, 2020 3:36 PM MDT lead and the NBA lead.

The WHL was entering the last two weeks of its season wit the Oil Kings having two home games remaining to be played at Rogers Place. The NHL has paused the 2019-2020 season due to concerns with the coronavirus. The CHL released a statement on the postponement of play:

The league released a statement Thursday morning after an emergency The Canadian Hockey League and its three regional leagues the Ontario conference call with the Board of Governors. Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League, take the health and safety of our players, fans, “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and volunteers, staff, and general public very seriously. after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing CHL President Dan MacKenzie with Commissioners David Branch, Gilles today that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with tonight’s Courteau, and Ron Robison have been monitoring the situation in games. regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) including what local, provincial, and federal health agencies have recommended. Following consultation “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts with medical professionals and meetings today among the CHL and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments Executive Council, and regional league Board of Governors, the CHL without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following announces that the balance of the 2019-20 season and all hockey last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus – activity shall be paused immediately until further notice. 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 “Oilers Entertainment Group supports the decision of the Western positive at some point – it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to Hockey League to pause play for the 2019-20 season until further play games at this time. notice,” said Edmonton Oil Kings Chairman, Bob Nicholson. “We are eager to have both the Edmonton Oil Kings and Edmonton Oilers return “We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we to the ice, but our main priority needs to be doing our part to mitigate the will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to spread of COVID-19. take all reasonable precautions – including by self-quarantine, where appropriate. Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and “We encourage our fans, players and staff to remain diligent and safe prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the during these uncharted times.” Stanley Cup. Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay healthy.” Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.13.2020 The National Hockey League Players’ Association also released a statement on the pause of the season.

“The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time.

“The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of fans everywhere.”

The Edmonton Oilers released a statement later Thursday afternoon:

Earlier today, the National Hockey League (NHL) issued a directive to pause the 2019-20 season starting with tonight’s games after consulting medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors.

As a result, the Edmonton Oilers will not be playing games until the NHL determines its next steps addressing the coronavirus pandemic. The Oilers will be communicating to ticket holders, partners and other affected parties with information as soon it becomes available.

We will continue to follow protocols as laid out by the NHL and will continue to work in close consultation with health and government officials.

We will provide additional information as we learn more on this evolving issue. Please continue to check http://www.rogersplace.com/news or http://www.edmontonoilers.com for more information.

The health and safety of our players, fans and employees is our top priority. We thank our fans for their support and understanding as we work through this unprecedented period.

“Public health and safety are a priority at a time like this. As players, we support the NHL and NHLPA’s decision to suspend the season for the safety of the teams and their fans. We look forward to the day we can get back playing the game we love in front of full arenas.” – Edmonton Oilers Captain Connor McDavid 1180682 Edmonton Oilers A quick glance at the NHL standings shows the Oilers and Flames in second and third, respectively, in the Pacific division. That’s misleading. If the regular season has in fact concluded with teams playing differing numbers of games, the league would almost certainly seed teams based Key questions surround Oilers in wake of NHL’s coronavirus suspension on points percentage. Edmonton would stay in second, but Calgary would fall behind Vancouver, setting up an Oilers-Canucks meeting in a

standard-format playoffs. By Daniel Nugent-Bowman and Jonathan Willis There is, however, no certainty that the NHL would stick to its standard Mar 12, 2020 format in the wake of a prematurely terminated season. Already facing lost gate revenue, teams on the bubble would have a compelling argument that they were being arbitrarily excluded from the postseason.

With the NHL suspending play indefinitely Thursday because of the That’s where a portion of paragraph 16.2 of the 2013 collective global COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become clear anything to do with the bargaining agreement between league and players becomes relevant: sport has appropriately taken second billing to health concerns. The NHLPA has consented to granting the League, either in the 2005-06 In Edmonton, a 4-2 loss the Oilers suffered to the Jets the on NHL Season, or, alternatively, in the 2006-07 NHL Season, the option to Wednesday night will be the last time the players will skate together as a institute in any League Year a “Playoff Qualification Round” preliminary team for quite some time. How long? That’s anyone’s guess right now. to the Playoffs, which will consist of one (1) round involving four (4) Clubs in each Conference, with each series in the round having a maximum of The league issued a statement saying play is halted until it’s “appropriate three (3) games, with the winner of each series advancing to the Playoffs and prudent” with the hope the Stanley Cup can still be awarded this … If the League desires to implement a Playoff Qualification Round with season. The Oilers followed suit by issuing a statement of their own with respect to future NHL Season(s), it may only do so with the consent of chairman Bob Nicholson saying the league’s decision is in the best the NHLPA, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. interest of the team’s fans, employees and players. Leaving aside the references to 2005-06 and 2006-07 which made it into “Our focus is on their health and safety and doing what we can to combat a document signed in 2013, the NHL clearly retains the ability to propose the spread of the virus. Some things are bigger than the game of some sort of play-in qualification round. In terms of simplicity, it’s hockey,” a portion of Nicholson’s statement read. probably easiest to adopt the format already laid out, which would see A team spokesperson withheld further comment until more information is the wild-card teams in each conference play an initial round of no more known. than three games against the ninth- and 10th-place teams.

It was only Tuesday when Oilers GM Ken Holland appeared on The That wouldn’t have an immediate effect on the Oilers, but would leave Athletic’s The Oil Can podcast and addressed how the organization was Nashville, Calgary, Winnipeg and Minnesota competing for the final two handling the coronavirus concerns. At that point, it was just about being playoff berths out West. prepared, keeping fans safe and listening to the NHL’s marching orders. What happens to traded picks with games-played conditions attached? Holland, who cut his teeth in the business as a , was asked how the Two of Edmonton’s picks in the 2020 draft include games-played possibility of the world under-18 tourney being cancelled would impact provisions for this season. the Oilers. The playing field would be level for all teams, Holland said, but he and his scouting staff would miss out on a key evaluation opportunity. The first is a relatively minor upgrade involving deadline-addition Mike Green. If he plays in 50 percent of Edmonton’s playoff games and the “The IIHF is going to work with everybody to make sure that they make Oilers advance to the conference final, the 2020 fourth-rounder included the decision that’s in the best interest of everybody,” Holland said. “If the in the trade upgrades to a 2021 third-rounder. tournament is to be cancelled, it would be disappointing but certainly understandable considering the circumstances.” We don’t know what the playoff format will look like, but presumably, the number of rounds will stay the same. At the moment, the most relevant Within 48 hours of the conversation, the plug had been pulled. change would seem to be Green’s health: He was slated to miss most of There had been whispers about that tournament being axed because March with a sprained MCL, which should make him healthy enough to teams would need to be flown in from Europe; the women’s worlds had draw into the lineup if and when the playoffs begin. already been cancelled, too. The more complicated pick is the 2020 third-rounder attached to last But it wasn’t until it was reported Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert tested summer’s James Neal/Milan Lucic trade. That pick flips to Calgary if Neal positive for the virus and the NBA suspended its season Wednesday scores 21 goals and Lucic trails his goal count by 10 or more. night that the suspension of NHL play became inevitable. If the season ends now, Neal will finish with 19 goals, which would seem Now the NHL might not be back for several weeks — or potentially to let Edmonton keep the pick. It probably won’t be that simple, given that months. the Flames had a very reasonable expectation of acquiring the selection if Neal had been given 11 more games. At some point, whenever that is, things will resume. And when that happens, there will be many questions to answer surrounding the Oilers. Based on how they handled bonuses in the 48-game 2013 season, it’s more likely that the NHL would prorate the players’ totals. Neal’s 19 goals Is this the end of the Oilers’ regular season? through 71 Edmonton games would project to 22 over a full season, The NHL has deliberately not put a timeline on its suspension of the while Lucic’s eight over 70 Calgary games would project to nine over an season, so the short answer is that we don’t know for sure. It does seem 82-game slate. Both totals would satisfy the conditions involved in the likely to be the case, as sources indicated to our James Mirtle on trade. Wednesday. A coda to that: When the NHL prorated bonuses in 2013, it prorated both The logistics are easy to understand. The best-case scenario outlined to the conditions required (e.g. a bonus based on 20 games played was Mirtle suggested a three-week break, but that’s going to be difficult to triggered at 12) and also the amount of the bonus (e.g. a $20,000 bonus achieve considering that jurisdictions like Illinois are recommending instead became $11,700). It’s much more difficult to prorate a draft pick, major sporting events be either shut down or played without spectators and the rationale about revenue (i.e. bonuses are lower in part because until May 1. the NHL is making less money) don’t apply, but does that perhaps open the door to the argument by the Oilers that instead of transferring a third- TSN’s Frank Seravalli reports that teams have been asked to keep their rounder it should be a later selection? buildings available until July. That gives the league an additional buffer of roughly six weeks over its typical season, which ends in mid-June. It isn’t To offer contracts now or later? a lot and it is certain the NHL will prioritize playoff games over regular- One of the more interesting things Holland said on Tuesday’s podcast season contests. appearance was his desire to retain more Oilers on expiring contracts. What do the playoffs look like if the season is done? He’d already re-signed wingers Joakim Nygard and Josh Archibald, two players he brought in on one-year contracts last offseason, plus would-be put money into escrow, of which they generally only get a percentage free agent Zack Kassian. back. This year, that percentage is likely to be smaller than ever.

“I do plan on trying to re-sign a couple more of those players,” Holland said. “But really, I’m going to get at it when our season is over.” The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 Centre Riley Sheahan is someone the Oilers are definitely interested in bringing back. Goaltender Mike Smith and centre Gaetan Haas are the only two players in the running.

Smith has worked in a platoon with partner Mikko Koskinen and is 19-12- 6 with a .902 save percentage and 2.95 goals-against average this season. Haas, a 28-year-old rookie brought in from the Swiss league, has served as the 13th forward with a full cavalry up front (minus Nygard) since the trade deadline.

What chance there was of Holland signing any of those players in the near term would seem to be reduced because of the uncertainty surrounding Edmonton’s cap situation. Not only will the season and playoffs be pushed back if they resume or occur at all, but their current contracts could now easily extend past their original July 1 expiration.

There was little reason to rush before. There’s zero reason to rush after Thursday’s events.

What happens with performance bonuses?

Smith and Haas are the two notable Oilers with the potential to receive sizeable payouts in addition to their salaries due to performance bonuses.

Let’s start with Smith because his situation has more moving parts and requires more projection.

In addition to his $2 million cap hit, Smith can earn up to $1.75 million in bonuses. The first $1 million is for reaching games-played thresholds (minimum 30 minutes) in increments of five between 20 and 45 appearances. He’s then eligible to receive $250,000 per playoff round up to and including the Western Conference final.

He’s appeared in 35 games so far that meet the 30-minute criteria. That would earn him $500,000.

If the season happened to end, he’d be on track to reach the next threshold, 40 games, on a prorated basis. That would have resulted in another $250,000 payout. If the league follows the same rules it did in 2013, as laid out in Exhibit 16 of the CBA, that would be reduced to around $216,500.

Of course, the Oilers would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, too.

Haas’s contract calls for a $212,500 bonus if he finishes top three in plus/minus among Oilers forwards playing at least 42 games. Haas is third with a -1 rating. Using the 2013 rules, he’d be entitled to roughly $184,000 without any more hockey.

Ethan Bear would be entitled to $20,000 for finishing top four on the team for ice time among defencemen (minimum 42 games). Again, a reduction on par with 2013 would reduce that to roughly $17,320.

Caleb Jones has the same plus/minus clause as Haas, but he’s fourth among blueliners behind Matt Benning, Kris Russell and Adam Larsson, and wouldn’t make the cut.

The bonuses ordinarily would only impact the Oilers’ cap situation this season. Given how tight Edmonton is to the upper limit, some of those bonuses will almost certainly be deferred to 2020-21.

How does this affect Edmonton’s cap planning?

This is a really difficult question to answer. Figuring out bonus ramifications alone is extremely complicated, and that’s just one facet of what Edmonton will have to get a handle on in terms of the salary cap for next season.

One thing we can say with a reasonable chance of being right is that next year’s cap figure will be a number negotiated between the NHL and NHLPA, rather than one based on revenue from a disrupted season. Again, the precedent for this is 2013, when the league and players did exactly that.

It’s reasonable to expect something conservative, though. Not only will the league be coming off a year with lost revenue, but the players are going to feel the pinch directly. To ensure that hockey-related revenue is split between players and owners, for years now the players have had to 1180683 Edmonton Oilers 1 Atlantic Boston

0.714 What will the NHL season look like if it resumes after the coronavirus shutdown? 2 Atlantic

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The number of unknowns right now is incredibly high, not just for 0.579 professional sports, but the world. 1 Metro The NHL suspended its season on Thursday, waiting a mere 15 hours after the NBA put its campaign on hold due to the coronavirus threat. Washington That league now has its Patient Zero — Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert 0.652 — which greatly accelerated the NBA’s decision to announce a shutdown even while games were still ongoing. 2 Metro

Now multiple teams are being put into two-week quarantines, including Philadelphia the Toronto Raptors, who played the Jazz on Monday night in Salt Lake City. 0.645

The NHL does not yet have an infected player — at least officially — but 3 Metro that may only be a matter of time. Gobert could have become infected Pittsburgh anytime in the past several weeks, a stretch during which he played games in multiple buildings shared with NHL teams (in New York, Boston 0.623 and Detroit) and against a team, the Raptors, which shares an arena with an NHL club. WC

In just one example of the close quarters these organizations in different Carolina leagues can share, the Tampa Bay Lightning — who faced the Maple 0.596 Leafs at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night — were instructed to use the Raptors media quarters for interviews that night as part of one WC of the coronavirus-inspired precautions being taken. It’s possible that Islanders NHL players were infected either there or during games in other NHL buildings, through contact with staff and arena workers. 0.588

And it may well be that we don’t know of those cases until a week or — more from now when symptoms present and/or players are tested. — All of that made Thursday’s shutdown the prudent course of action for the NHL. In fact, Gobert’s positive COVID-19 test — and the resulting fallout — — were a clear sign the leagues should have taken more aggressive Eliminated action sooner than they did. Columbus The suspension almost certainly marks the end of the NHL’s 2019-20 regular season, leaving 189 games — or 15 percent of the season — 0.579 unplayed. If so, the year would end with eight teams having played 71 games, 11 playing 70, 10 with 69 games, and another two with just 68. Florida

The best-case scenario here, according to several sources contacted by 0.565 The Athletic late Wednesday night, would mean the shutdown lasts only Rangers three weeks and the NHL playoffs would begin essentially as scheduled in mid-April. Teams would be ranked by points percentage and given 0.564 playoff berths as if the season had, in fact, ended on March 11 instead of April 4. 1 Central

That would be a tough break for teams like Columbus, Florida, Winnipeg St. Louis and Minnesota, who could miss the postseason by tiny margins. 0.662

There’s hope that perhaps that level of heartbreak could be alleviated by 2 Central adding play-in games, allowing more than the standard 16 teams to participate in the postseason — but that assumes that the NHL will be Colorado able to resume play with enough time to expand its playoff schedule. 0.657 Just the opposite could plausibly happen if North America is as ill- equipped to slow the virus as many fear. It’s possible the NHL — along 3 Central with the NBA and other leagues — is on hold for months, meaning all Dallas that could be accommodated would be a drastically abbreviated playoff schedule. 0.594

That could mean relying on the standings, as of today, to choose 16 1 Pacific postseason teams and then having them play best-of-three or best-of-five Vegas series instead of best of seven. It could also mean a completely revamped playoff format, perhaps like the round-robin one the Danish 0.606 league is adopting to make up for a compressed schedule. 2 Pacific If the playoffs started today Edmonton 0.585 for how much of the season can reasonably be saved. Much of this is out of their control, however, as keeping players, staff and fans healthy while 3 Pacific trying to stop the spread of the virus will be the top priority.

Vancouver Even if it means no one's playing hockey again until September.

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Ending the season more than three weeks early would also have significant ramifications on important league issues like draft lottery positioning and end-of-season awards. Not to mention the financial aspect of the shutdown, as 15 percent of regular-season gate revenues would be wiped out -- which would result in massive escrow increases for players and a potentially lowered cap for teams next season.

"MLB and NBA can probably be profitable with no gate revenues," said one player agent on Wednesday night. "Obviously not the case for the NHL."

The financial side of the shutdown would be even more painful for the NHL if there wasn't a postseason, which would mean not awarding the Stanley Cup after playing a regular season for the first time since a Spanish flu outbreak 101 years ago.

Cancelling the postseason altogether isn't out of the question. That's the route the majority of leagues in Europe have taken in the past few days, as playoffs were cancelled in Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia, Austria, Poland and Norway due to the virus, which has advanced extremely quickly throughout Italy and other parts of the continent.

The Czech Republic, France and Denmark, meanwhile, have so far merely postponed their postseasons, with the intention of attempting to resume play when it's safe to do so. Russia's KHL, Sweden's SHL and Finland's Liiga are all currently planning to continue to hold playoff games, albeit likely in front of small crowds or even empty arenas.

There have been widespread cancellations and postponements throughout other sports as well, from rugby to soccer, tennis and figure skating. The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, slated to begin in late July, are also in jeopardy of being pushed back further, perhaps into the fall.

Just how late the NHL can possibly push its postseason is a fair question. If players begin to be quarantined, will they still be able to train and prepare for the playoffs after sitting out for what could be months without playing games? Would they require a mini-training camp before play resumed?

And would there be an appetite for a full postseason -- with up to 100 games stretching over two months -- if that meant rusty NHLers suddenly skating into the middle of July or even early August?

What then would that mean for the following season, given too short of a summer break obviously wouldn't be ideal? Not to mention the fact that the draft and free agency would need to be pushed back as well.

Those will be some of the difficult questions facing the NHL's board of governors in the weeks to come, as they try to adjust their expectations 1180684 Florida Panthers The ACC, the NCAA’s league to which the University of Miami belongs, released a statement Thursday afternoon that it “has suspended all athletic related activities including all competition, formal and organized practice, recruiting and participation in NCAA championships until further Coronavirus has left unprecedented mark on sports. How has it impacted notice. South Florida? “The decision was made following consultation with the league’s presidents and athletic directors to mitigate the further spread of COVID- 19.’’ BY ANTHONY CHIANG For Miami, that means its baseball team (12-4), ranked as high as fifth in MARCH 12, 2020 06:49 PM the nation by Baseball America, will possibly go without finishing one of its most promising seasons in years.

The coronavirus has left an unprecedented mark on the sports world. And Hurricanes spring football practice had its first four of 15 sessions last week before it broke for spring break. The Canes football program From the suspension of the NBA, NHL and MLS seasons, the was to resume practice on Tuesday, but this edict obviously has put a cancellation of March Madness, the postponement of MLB’s Opening close to football practice for now. Day and the list goes on, sports has come to a screeching halt. UM’s spring football game had been scheduled for April 11, but is in Every South Florida team has been affected. The Miami Heat, Miami limbo until further notice. Dolphins, , Florida Panthers, Inter Miami and Miami Hurricanes are feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The UM Sports Hall of Fame already postponed its induction banquet, originally scheduled for April 2. In addition, the Miami Open tennis tournament was canceled. And another local sporting event, the NASCAR race in Homestead next week, MIAMI DOLPHINS will still run as scheduled, but without fans in attendance. The Miami Dolphins on Thursday joined the growing list of NFL Gulfstream is still racing, but there will be no spectators allowed starting franchises to temporarily suspend pre-draft travel for all scouts and Friday. The Florida Derby is still on. The FIU Panthers are still expected coaches as the world of football scrambles to address the spiraling to hold spring practices next week, but with no fans in attendance. coronavirus pandemic.

Also, PGA Tour events will proceed as scheduled, but without fans “The safety of everyone associated with the Miami Dolphins is of the starting Friday. This will last through the Valero Texas Open, which ends utmost importance,” the team announced in a statement. “We will April 5. continue to monitor the situation and take advice from our medical staff and public officials.” Here’s a look at how all of the cancellations and postponements affect the South Florida sports landscape ... Meanwhile, teams around the NFL are canceling draftee facility visits, the league canceled its annual meeting and the Eagles on Thursday became MIAMI HEAT the first team to shut down their headquarters and stadium.

The NBA decided to suspend the season Wednesday night until further The annual meeting was set to be held in Palm Beach on March 29-April notice because of the coronavirus pandemic. 1, with all expected official business delayed until the league’s May meeting in Marina del Rey, California. Coaches and general managers The move came after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for are expected to attend that May conference, the league announced. the coronavirus, forcing the cancellation of Wednesday’s Jazz-Oklahoma City Thunder game. And on Thursday, Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell “The decision was made consistent with the league’s primary concern to tested positive for the coronavirus. protect the health of club and league employees and the public while enabling the league to continue with its essential business operations,” The NBA said in a statement that it “will use this hiatus to determine next the NFL said in a statement. “We will continue to closely monitor steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.” developments, consult with leading experts and be prepared to make any Heat players are being encouraged to remain in South Florida to avoid changed necessary as circumstances warrant.” travel and remain prepared for the possibility of the continuation of the FLORIDA PANTHERS season. On Wednesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks both As for tickets, there will be no refunds for season-ticket holders at the announced they planned to play their home games without any fans in moment because the hope is the games will be played at some point. For the arena. individual game tickets, the NBA is working directly with Ticketmaster to figure out what can be done for fans who are unable to attend Earlier Thursday, the NHL told teams not to practice as it weighed its rescheduled games. options. Shortly after 1:30 p.m., the NHL announced it would follow the NBA’s lead and suspend play for an indefinite period of time. MIAMI MARLINS INTER MIAMI Major League Baseball’s announcement that it was suspending spring training and postponing Opening Day for the 2020 season came in the Inter Miami players, fans and owners will have to wait at least a month seventh inning of the Miami Marlins’ 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at longer for the team’s highly anticipated home debut. Major League Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Thursday. Soccer on Thursday suspended its season for at least 30 days, the latest in a cascade of sports cancellations and postponements due to the “We talked about making adjustments,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly coronavirus epidemic. said, “and this is part of it. We knew there was going to be something coming down. We had a pretty good feeling with everything that’s been The news came 48 hours before Inter Miami was scheduled to play its happening in the country and the world. We’ll get our ducks in a row.” inaugural home game against the Los Angeles Galaxy. Team officials were in the middle of a media tour of the team’s new 19,000-seat Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said in a statement that the Marlins support stadium when the news broke. commissioner Rob Manfred’s decision, adding the Marlins will make additional announcements, including those regarding ticket information, “We’ve made a decision as a league this morning, as owners, that play at a later date. will be suspended temporarily,” Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said in a news conference after informing the players and coaches. “We are “This is an unprecedented time and this is certainly an unprecedented targeting 30 days, which means Inter Miami will not be playing its home decision that was made in the best interest of players, fans and opener on Saturday. We were 48 hours from kickoff, expecting a full communities across the country,” Jeter said. “We urge everyone to house, and there was a lot of excitement. That won’t change. It will just continue to exercise the preventive measures set forth by the CDC and will be on different day and date.“ stay informed regarding the latest developments on the virus.” MIAMI OPEN MIAMI HURRICANES The 2020 Miami Open, which would have featured nearly all of the top tennis players in the world, was canceled as a precaution because of the coronavirus outbreak.

More than 300,000 fans attend the tournament annually. Last year, the 12-day attendance at Hard Rock Stadium was 388,734. Among the players scheduled to participate: Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin and Ashley Barty.

Tournament director James Blake said: “We were looking forward to hosting another world-class event, but our priority remains the health and safety of everyone involved in the Miami Open, including the South Florida community. As a former player and now tournament director, I understand how disappointing it is for the players, fans, partners and tournament staff who worked tirelessly to get the site ready. We thank everyone for their understanding and support and look forward to returning to Hard Rock Stadium March 22 – April 4, 2021.”

The tournament will contact ticket holders in the coming days regarding refunds.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

The NCAA announced Thursday the cancellation of the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments because of the coronavirus, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships.

A statement from the NCAA read: “This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.”

Most men’s basketball conference tournaments were also canceled.

On Wednesday, the NCAA said it was still planning to hold its men’s basketball tournament next week, but only with essential staff and limited family members in attendance. Those plans changed Thursday.

NASCAR

NASCAR still plans to run its races in Atlanta and Homestead the next two weekends, the association announced Thursday, but without fans in attendance. NASCAR still plans to run all three previously scheduled races at Homestead-Miami Speedway from March 20-22, including the Dixie Vodka 400, a spokesperson for the track said.

Fans who had already purchased tickets to the races, “will receive a credit for the full amount paid towards any admissions including grandstand seating, infield, camping, fan hospitality, pit passes, etc., subject to availability,” according to a statement spent by a track spokesperson. “The credit can be used for the balance of the 2020 or 2021 seasons for a NASCAR sanctioned event at any NASCAR-owned track.” Details about the process for redeeming the credit will be made available by the end of Saturday.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Athletic travel in Broward is suspended starting Monday, according to Broward county school superintendent Robert Runcie.

Sports are continuing for now in Miami-Dade, per superintendent Alberto Carvalho. Out-of-county travel will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

The Florida High School Athletic Association said in a statement Thursday that it monitoring developments, but no decisions have been made regarding the remaining state championships.

The following Miami Herald reporters contributed to this report: Susan Miller Degnan, Michelle Kaufman, David Wilson, Jordan McPherson, Adam H. Beasley and Jason Dill.

Miami Herald LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180685 Florida Panthers

NHL suspends play because of the coronavirus, but hopes to resume season in future

BY DAVID WILSON

MARCH 12, 2020 01:55 PM

The NHL is suspending its season because of the coronavirus, but the league hopes to resume play in the future.

The NHL announced its plans in a statement Thursday following a conference call with the board of governors.

“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,” commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, “the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with tonight’s games.”

The Florida Panthers were scheduled to face the Dallas Stars on Thursday in Dallas and return home to play the New Jersey Devils on Saturday in Sunrise. Neither of those games will happen.

The Panthers currently sit three games out of the third and final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division.

On Wednesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks both announced they planned to play their home games without any fans in the arena. Earlier Thursday, the NHL told teams not to practice as it weighed its options. Shortly after 1:30 p.m., the NHL announced it would follow the NBA’s lead and suspend play for an indefinite period of time.

“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,” Bettman said. “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.”

On Wednesday, the NBA became the first professional sports league to announce it would be suspending play. The NBA’s board of governors convened for a conference call Wednesday and the majority of owners hoped to continue play without fans in the arena, although some preferred the league just suspend play altogether, ESPN reported. About an hour later, the Utah Jazz’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder was abruptly canceled just second before tipoff after Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19, The Athletic reported.

“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,” Bettman said. “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.”

Miami Herald LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180686 Florida Panthers

No Florida Panthers games for a while; NHL suspends season over coronavirus fears

By WELLS DUSENBURY

SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL

MAR 12, 2020 | 1:56 PM

Following the NBA’s decision to suspend its season due to coronavirus fears, the NHL has also put its season on pause.

The league announced Thursday that it would suspend competition beginning with Thursday night’s games. With roughly a dozen games remaining for each team, the regular season had been scheduled to finish April 4.

“Following last night’s news that an NBA player tested positive for coronavirus,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a news release, “and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and now it seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate to try and continue to play games at this time.”

“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.”

The Florida Panthers have 13 games left on the schedule and were slated to face the Dallas Stars on Thursday night in Texas. The Panthers were to host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night at the BB&T Center.

With the NHL season on hiatus, Florida (35-26-8) sits three points out of a playoff spot. The Panthers made a number of high-profile moves in free agency to improve the team, but still sit on the outside looking in. The team has missed the postseason in 18 of the past 20 seasons.

The Panthers asked fans to hold their tickets until additional information becomes available.

Over the past 24 hours, professional leagues and college conferences have begun postponing their seasons in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. On Thursday, MLS, NHL, MLB and most college conferences suspended play following the NBA’s decision.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180687 Florida Panthers “Earlier in the season, it used to be goals, goals, goals. And now we’re shutting it down defensively, which is great for me. Hard to complain about that. It has been a real effort by the guys to do whatever it takes to win a game. … Has Chris Driedger become the Jordan Binnington of the Florida Panthers? “Things had been a little scrambled, and I have tried to slow the game down. That has been my focus. I am trying to eliminate second and third chances, keeping things calm and going from there. Our guys have been great. We had 23 blocked shots the other night. Whoa. That helps a By George Richards goalie out. A lot.” Mar 12, 2020 With the effort the Panthers have put into their team game, would Bobrovsky have put up the same results? Perhaps. Only the Panthers have rarely played this well in front of their star goalie. DALLAS — It wasn’t long after Chris Driedger arrived on the scene with the Florida Panthers that coach Joel Quenneville brought up what But they are playing that way now with Driedger in net. Quenneville says happened in St. Louis last season. Driedger’s relaxed demeanor has affected the way the Panthers play.

The Blues were at the bottom of the standings when they brought up a “He has given us a real patient look at the net and settles things down 25-year-old goalie who had been toiling in the minor leagues for much of around coverage areas and the tight areas around the net,” Quenneville his career. said.

Jordan Binnington made his first start for the Blues on Jan. 7, they shut “He is very calm and cool in the net, how he approaches these different out the Flyers, and the rest is history as Binnington helped carry St. Louis challenges, different teams, big games. He doesn’t flinch. We like that all the way to its first Stanley Cup title. composure he brings, the consistency he brings. He is even-keel back there and stabilizes things in our own zone.” Quenneville’s remarks may have seemed a little odd at the time. In his past three games, Driedger has surrendered a single goal in They do not anymore. regulation to each of Boston, Montreal and St. Louis, making 85 saves off 89 shots on goal (.955 save percentage) in total. Although Driedger was serving as the backup to two-time Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky when Quenneville first made the Binnington reference, Florida looks like a much different team right now. If the Panthers can things have changed a bit in Florida. keep this up through the final 13 games, they could find themselves in the playoffs. Bobrovsky is currently out with a lower-body injury. Driedger has stepped in and has, at least momentarily, taken over as the Panthers’ starting “Since the Boston game, I think everyone has been playing with a lot goalie. more will and a lot more urgency,” said defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, now on the top pairing with Aaron Ekblad and getting some of the biggest Although Bobrovsky is back on the ice and went through a long workout minutes on the team. Tuesday in Dallas, Quenneville seems to be in no hurry to rush him back. (And it could be some time before any NHL games are played, as the “We need that confidence at this time of year. We’re not too high, not too league reportedly considers temporarily suspending its season due to the low. Each game is super-important right now, and we have to keep nationwide coronavirus threat.) going. Everyone is contributing because everyone wants to be in the playoffs. Everyone is buying into this.” The two had a long talk on the ice Tuesday. Quenneville said Bobrovsky is progressing and that the team will have “a better idea when we get Similar paths for Binnington and Driedger back to Florida” about the timing of his return. Driedger and Binnington have crossed paths a few times over the years. Right now, as long as Driedger keeps playing the way he is playing and Driedger recalls being at a Team Canada tryout camp with Binnington the Panthers keep winning, there is no reason to change anything when the two were teenagers, and the two have faced each other in the whether Bobrovsky is healthy or not. AHL.

“We’ll see who gives us our best chance every night,” Quenneville said. Monday, they met in an NHL game for the first time.

“Some decisions you don’t have to make. They make them for you. Their career arcs, heading into last season, were very similar. (Driedger) has done a great job. It’s a great story, a great situation. We’ll sort things out.” Binnington, now 26 and the undisputed starter in St. Louis, was 25 when he made his first NHL start last January. Before that, he had played in Driedger to the rescue? three games, all in relief.

Binnington helped save a season in St. Louis. Driedger may have done “It was a long road,” Binnington said after he shut out the Flyers. the same in Florida. Sound familiar? The Panthers go into Thursday’s game in Dallas in the midst of a playoff race they didn’t seem too interested in being a part of not too long ago. Driedger was 25 when the Panthers called him up from the minors in November. After Florida was shut out 3-0 at home by Calgary on March 1, the team looked lost and headed toward another long offseason. After Bobrovsky lost in Washington before Thanksgiving, Quenneville gave Driedger a surprise start against Nashville. Then Driedger came back from a rehab stint in the minors (he had been out since injuring his groin on Jan. 16), the Panthers started playing Driedger had played in three NHL games (all in relief) before making his improved team hockey in all three zones and won two of their past three first start. Like Binnington, Driedger earned a shutout in his first start, games, allowing a total of four goals. becoming the 36th goalie in NHL history to do so (Binnington was the 35th). Since the loss to Calgary, the Panthers are playing with passion. “Pretty wild coincidence,” Driedger said. Florida has averaged 17 blocked shots a game (it blocked 23 in a 2-1 win over Binnington and the Blues on Monday) and has swarmed the front of Both players spent time in both the ECHL and AHL before getting a real the net to help keep danger zones clear. shot at the NHL. Both were third-round draft picks (Binnington 68th overall by St. Louis in 2011; Driedger 76th overall by Ottawa in 2012). Driedger is most appreciative of the effort. Both goalies were afterthoughts to their franchises until they got things “This has been fun to watch,” he said. “The guys have really built off that going. Driedger had been cut loose by Ottawa in 2018 and was signed to Boston game (a 2-1 overtime loss at home on March 5), which was like a a minor-league deal by the Panthers. playoff game, and we have carried that momentum into the next two. “You could say (both) were long shots who all of a sudden came up with an opportunity,” Quenneville said. “We are a team fighting to make the playoffs, they were a team fighting to get in last year, and they had that great run at the end. We all know the importance of goaltending, and the season goes to another level when the playoffs start.”

After a strong season in Springfield, where he took over the starting job, the Panthers signed Driedger to a two-way contract. It is a move that has paid off handsomely for both parties.

“I think guys just get better when you play in the American League, and it comes down to that,” said Driedger, who lost the battle to back up Bobrovsky in training camp to Sam Montembeault only to replace Montembeault in November after leading the AHL in goals-against average.

“For me, I had a limited opportunity (in Ottawa) and I wasn’t really prepared for it when I was younger. I have learned to hone my game, get better. When you get the opportunity when you’re older, more experienced, you’re a little more ready for it.

“That’s probably the case for both of us. (Binnington) had pretty impressive numbers later on in the minors, so it looked like he had it figured out. When he got the opportunity in St. Louis, he ran with it.”

Driedger said it was only natural to watch what Binnington and the Blues were doing last season and compare that to his own situation.

“You see a guy who had spent that much time in the minors and was having that kind of success, of course, you’re going to compare yourself to what he was doing,” Driedger said. “You try not to, but it is human nature. I was very happy for him — it looked like he found his game.

“When I came here, knowing I was the No. 3, I thought there could be an opportunity — it just wouldn’t come right off the bat. Things can always happen. I wasn’t bracing for something like this to happen, but to see someone in the same situation I was (in) do what he did, that was cool to see. It was fun to watch his journey and with the media coverage, it would have been hard to ignore. Goalies tend to develop later.”

The two are different in one way, however: Binnington is now an established NHL starter. Not only did he go 24-5-1 before the playoffs last season, but he is currently 30-13-7 this season with the Blues.

Driedger is starting for the Panthers right now, but that could change quickly.

Bobrovsky, after all, is an established NHL star who signed the biggest contract in franchise history (seven years, $70 million). When Bobrovsky is healthy — and again, the Panthers have no reason to rush him back right now — he is going to want his job back.

“Driedger is proving everyone wrong right now,” Weegar said. “He came up through the minors, has fought his way up. He has done a great job for us, and we’re confident in front of him.”

By going 7-2-1 with saves on 94 percent of shots faced, Driedger is playing better at this level than anyone could have hoped.

Driedger is giving the Panthers plenty of reason to believe in him. And believe in themselves as well.

“There is no better feeling than coming back to the locker room after a win and see everyone sweating and knowing we gave it our all out there on the ice,” captain Sasha Barkov said.

“Everyone is playing for each other, enjoying it right now. … (Driedger) is always there when we need him, and he gives us a lot of confidence knowing he is in the net. He is playing really well. He is very calm.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180688 Los Angeles Kings season is on hold. The communication to our players [has been] ‘Hey, to a certain degree quarantine yourself, limit your traveling, take care of your families,’” he said. “But it is kind of what it is now, and follow what the guidelines are that we’re being given, whether it’s by the government NHL suspending its season indefinitely over coronavirus pandemic that it’s been passed on from AEG to our team.”

Kelly Cheeseman, chief operating officer of AEG — the parent company of the Kings — said the refund process is being disseminated to season By HELENE ELLIOTT SPORTS COLUMNIST ticket holders, groups and individual ticket holders. “The change from MARCH 12, 202012:12 PM playing in empty buildings to a pause in the season is completely different as it relates to that, so we’re still adjusting some of those things and circumstances,” he said.

Spurred by the NBA’s announcement that it had suspended play soon Cheeseman declined to say how much money the Kings would lose per after a player tested positive for the coronavirus, the NHL drastically game. “I think it’s fair to say not only for our business but any businesses changed its own course from planning to stage games in empty arenas to that are impacted by this, that it’s a seismic impact,” he said. indefinitely pausing its own season Thursday. That impact would undoubtedly be felt by ushers, vendors, ticket-takers The NBA’s move, made late Wednesday, created a sense of urgency and other arena employees, as well as employees in restaurants and when the NHL convened its board of governors via conference call bars near arenas and stadiums. Thursday. The board voted to follow the lead of the NBA, many of whose teams share buildings with NHL teams. “Once a player was diagnosed AEG is poised to make some kind of accommodation for arena with it, I think it kind of moves everything forward a lot quicker,” Kings employees, Cheeseman indicated. “I can tell you that conversation is President Luc Robitaille said in a conference call Thursday with happening not only locally but I think across the nation at this point,” he reporters. said.

The NHL hopes to resume its season, according to a statement from Honda Center has postponed all events through March 31. Ducks Commissioner Gary Bettman, but it’s unclear whether regular-season owners Henry and Susan Samueli — who also manage the arena — games would be made up or if the playoffs would begin immediately, if have told staff members who were scheduled to work March events that playoff berths would be based on teams’ positions after Wednesday’s they will be paid. games or through some kind of play-in tournament that would allow Ducks coach Dallas Eakins, asked on Wednesday about the likelihood teams currently close to playoff spots to earn their way in. that the season will be halted, gave a perspective that looked beyond It’s also unclear whether players will be permitted to practice in their hockey. “I have great trust in our leadership. I have great trust in our respective teams’ facilities, a question Robitaille said he expects to be league and in our health professionals and whatever they’re going to resolved by the league within 24 hours. He also said that unlike during direct us to do, then we’ll do it. It’s very simple,” he said. previous work stoppages, when teams were prohibited from speaking to “I’m just a big believer right now in everything that’s going on and it’s players, teams are allowed to communicate with players. everything to do with not so much the team but our community. “We think it’s very important that everyone gets as much information as Obviously there’s a breakout of the virus and I think we need a massive possible,” he said. “It’s not at all the way it was in the past because this is breakout of kindness. I think we need a massive breakout of alertness. I one thing where we need to take care of each other and we need to think we need a massive breakout of awareness of what we need to do make sure the health of everyone is the No. 1 priority.” and to take these things very, very seriously.

The NHL’s statement read: “In light of ongoing developments resulting “When things like this go on, we talk about teams coming together, this is from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and when communities come together and we’re going to need that kindness, convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National we’re going to need that awareness, so that we can all keep each other Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019-20 safe. Not just ourselves, but the people around us.” season beginning with tonight’s games.

“The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts LA Times: LOADED: 03.13.2020 and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following [Wednesday] 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.”

The American Hockey League, the primarily development league for NHL teams, also announced it had halted play. So did the three major junior leagues in Canada. Robitaille said the Kings’ scouts had finished most of their work in preparation for the June entry draft and that the organization’s priority is to be sure everyone is safe before formulating plans to restart hockey planning. “We’re all in the unknown,” he said.

The NHL Players’ Assn. called the NHL’s decision “an appropriate course of action at this time.” It added, “The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

Robitaille also said the Kings have not discussed testing players or staffers for COVID-19. “We’re kind of on a hold pattern. As of now the 1180689 Los Angeles Kings Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets, had already planned to play in empty arenas over concerns about the virus.

“I have great trust in our leadership,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. “I NHL suspends season temporarily over coronavirus concerns have great trust in our league and our health professionals. Whatever they’re going to direct us to do, we’ll do it. It’s very simple. With everything that’s going on, and it’s nothing to do much with the team, but our community. By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | [email protected] | Orange County Register “There’s a breakout of a virus going on. We need a massive breakout of PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 8:57 a.m. | UPDATED: March 12, 2020 kindness, alertness and awareness of what we need to do. We need to at 3:11 p.m. take these things very seriously. When things like this go on, we’ll talk about teams coming together, this is when communities need to come together. As expected, the NHL suspended its season temporarily Thursday over concerns about halting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout “We’re going to need that kindness and awareness so we can all keep North America, postponing the final 3-1/2 weeks of the 2019-20 regular each other safe.” season and the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs indefinitely. In addition to expressing support for the NHL’s decision to suspend play, The season was scheduled to end April 4 and the playoffs were to begin the Ducks and Anaheim Arena Management, which owns and operates four days later. Honda Center, announced all events at the arena would be postponed through March 31. “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and covering a conference call of “These unprecedented steps are being taken for the betterment and well- the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing being of a community we are proud to be part of,” a joint statement from today that it will pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight’s the Ducks and Honda Center read. “The health of everyone associated games,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. with all of our events, including fans, staff, and players/performers, has and will continue to be our number one priority. “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities, while planning for any possible developments “The Ducks and AAM (Anaheim Arena Management) will continue to without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following consult with the State of California, local health officials and the NHL as last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus – we closely monitor developments regarding COVID-19. Further and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms it information, including details on ticketing procedures, will be released in now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test the near future. positive at some point – it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to “Most importantly, the Ducks and AAM send best wishes to those play games at this time. impacted by the virus.” “We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we The Kings said in a statement, with references to the Centers for Disease will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to Control and the World Health Organization: take all reasonable precautions – including self-quarantine, where appropriate. Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and “Due to the recent developments with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the pandemic, the NHL has paused the NHL season and will use this hiatus Stanley Cup. Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope to determine next steps for moving forward. In addition, the State of you stay healthy.” California has determined that all mass gatherings should be postponed or canceled for the immediate future. The L.A. Kings support these The Stanley Cup wasn’t awarded after a labor dispute wiped out the directives and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our fans, entire 2004-05 season, and also in 1918-19 when the Final between the partners, players and staff during this unprecedented time that is Montreal Canadiens and the Seattle Metropolitans was halted because of impacting our entire community. As this situation continues to evolve, we a worldwide influenza outbreak that claimed the life of Montreal’s Joe remain committed to delivering timely details as new information is Hall five days later. available and encourage everyone to follow the health and safety “The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 guidelines as outlined by the CDC and WHO.” pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time,” the NHL The league’s decision to halt play had a ripple effect across hockey at players association said in a statement. “The NHLPA will continue to many levels in North America. The junior-level Canadian Hockey League, closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily which oversees the OHL, QMJHL and the WHL, was expected to discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players suspend play after discussions later Thursday. NCAA tournaments have regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to been canceled. the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.” The Under-18 World Championships, the last significant event for NHL The league followed the lead of the NBA, which halted play indefinitely scouts evaluating talent for the league’s annual entry draft June 26-27 in Wednesday after a player tested positive for COVID-19. Major League Montreal, was canceled Thursday. It was to be played April 16-26 in Soccer also announced it would suspend its games for 30 days starting Plymouth and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Thursday. The AHL, the top minor league in North America, also announced it As of Thursday, there was no known case of an infected NHL player. would suspend play. The Reign, the Kings’ affiliate, and the San Diego Earlier in the day, NHL teams were told to cancel morning skates, Gulls, the Ducks’ team, play in the AHL’s Pacific Division. practices and team meetings scheduled for Thursday while the league “With the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans of determined its next steps. The Ducks were scheduled to have a day off primary importance, the American Hockey League has announced the after playing games Tuesday and Wednesday at Honda Center. suspension of play until further notice, effective immediately, due to Their next scheduled practice was Friday at Great Park Ice in Irvine. concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic,” the league said in a statement. Their next games were to be played Saturday against the Kings at “The AHL will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates Staples Center and Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens at Honda on the 2019-20 season at the appropriate time.” Center, a pair of matinees that were likely to be contested without fans.

The Ontario Reign canceled its scheduled practice Thursday in El Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.13.2020 Segundo, which was to be the first for Kings top draft pick Alex Turcotte, who signed a three-season contract worth $7.245 million on Tuesday, after playing one season at the University of Wisconsin.

Gov. Gavin Newsom late Wednesday called for all events of more than 250 people to be canceled or postponed. Two NHL teams, the San Jose 1180690 Los Angeles Kings situations are completely different. I think where we want to make sure our fans know — as we’ve referenced, we’ve been through two work stoppages … and we very much have always focused on what is right for the fan first and what’s right for our season-ticket members first. And we’ll Q&A: Kings team brass on coronavirus tests, arena workers assistance continue to do that. Again, I want to reiterate that the change from and more (potentially) playing in an empty building to a pause in the season is completely different as it relates to that, so we’re still adjusting to those

things. But we’re always going to look at what’s right for the fans first. By Lisa Dillman Robitaille: We were getting ready to possibly playing in front of an empty Mar 12, 2020 building, so we were looking at how we were going to handle it. Then this happened. Now we’re going to go back and just figure out how exactly we’re going to handle it. But our priority is to make sure we take care of our fans and we do the right thing. LOS ANGELES — Questions and more questions … and some answers. Cheeseman: If I could add to that, the current plan as it relates to games With the fast-moving and rapidly changing landscape worldwide, there is, if they are going to be rescheduled in front of full buildings, the tickets weren’t many concrete answers available on Thursday a few hours after would be reapplied to those games. We’re still working through the the NHL announced it would pause the 2019-20 season in response to complexity of all that. And if people are uncomfortable (about going to the growing COVID-19 global threat. games), we’re going to work through all that. It came one day after the World Health Organization (WHO) moved to classify the virus as a pandemic and the NBA suspended its season. The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 Kings president Luc Robitaille and AEG chief operating officer executive Kelly Cheeseman took part in a conference call with reporters on Thursday afternoon to discuss the NHL’s decision and the immediate and future impact for the Kings’ organization. Robitaille, a Hockey Hall of Famer who went through a number of labor-related work stoppages in his career, called this situation “obviously 100 percent unprecedented.”

What follows is an edited and condensed transcript for clarity.

Are Kings players and staff going to be tested?

Robitaille: No, there hasn’t been talk about having players tested. We’re kind of on a hold pattern. As of now, the season is on hold. The communication to our players, “To a certain degree, quarantine yourself, limit your traveling, take care of your families.” But it is what it is now. Follow the guidelines that are being given, whether it’s from the government or passed on from AEG to our team.

What is the potential for financial assistance to arena workers at Staples Center?

Cheeseman: I think it’s fair to say that with the change and suspension versus playing in front of different crowds, things kind of got turned on a dime last night. We’re not prepared to answer that question directly at this time, but I can tell you that conversation is happening, not only locally, but I think across the nation at this point.

How did the NBA’s decision impact the NHL?

Robitaille: I would say I don’t know to what level, but it was pretty significant. You have one player that gets diagnosed with the coronavirus. I wasn’t on the (NHL conference) call (on Thursday). We only had our owners on the call. But from hearing (about) it, we want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. The more precaution we can have, we have to do it. Once the player was diagnosed with it, I would say it kind of moved everything forward a lot quicker.

What are the specific guidelines for scouts who aren’t in Los Angeles or based out of the country?

Robitaille: We’ve been proactive with it. We basically told our scouts not to fly. That was a few days ago. If they had to go to games, where they would drive, we were OK with it. We didn’t let anybody fly. We were telling them to stay home. At this time of year, they’ve done most of their work anyway with the scouting. They know who all the kids are. If they wanted to watch games, we would prefer them watching out of home.

What is the potential financial impact from suspending the season?

Cheeseman: We won’t comment on specific figures or insurance publicly. I think it’s fair to say, not only for our businesses but any businesses that are impacted by this, it’s a seismic impact. We’re focused on our staff, our players, our families and all the people impacted. It’s a seismic change for everybody, but that’s not really what it’s about at this point. It’s about the good of mankind.

What are the ticket policies for canceled games?

Cheeseman: All of our specific refunding and credit policies are being distributed to all of our various ticket buyers and segments from season- ticket members to group buyers to individual buyers in real time. All 1180691 Los Angeles Kings procedures, will be released in the near future. Most importantly, the Ducks and AAM send best wishes to those impacted by the virus.”

The Kings also released a statement similar to that of the Ducks’. Scenes from hockey in SoCal the night before COVID-19 paused the “The L.A. Kings support these directives and remain committed to the NHL season safety and well-being of our fans, partners, players and staff during this unprecedented time that is impacting our entire community,” it said. “As this situation continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering By Lisa Dillman and Eric Stephens timely details as new information is available and encourage everyone to follow the health and safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC and Mar 12, 2020 WHO.”

On Thursday, the skies opened up in Southern California as rain fell The announced attendance for the Ducks’ home game against Ottawa on across the region. It seemed fitting for the hockey fans who had already Tuesday night was 15,044. For their game against St. Louis on begun to view the possibility of no hockey to enjoy as a crying shame. Wednesday at Honda Center that was a makeup of the postponed Feb. The Ducks and Kings were scheduled to have another edition of the 11 contest due to Jay Bouwmeester’s cardiac scare, it was 16,195. Over Freeway Faceoff on Saturday afternoon in downtown L.A. at Staples Center in Los Angeles, the Kings played host to the Senators Rancho Dominguez resident Tammie Anzevino is a Ducks fan and was before a team-announced crowd of 12,030. at Wednesday’s 4-2 loss to St. Louis. Anzevino also roots for the Angels All those figures reflect tickets sold, of course. More did turn out and is looking forward to attending their scheduled home opener on April Wednesday in Anaheim for the contest against the reigning Stanley Cup 3 against Houston. Now that game appears to be scuttled, with Major champions than 24 hours earlier, but it was readily apparent that League Baseball announcing Thursday that the start of the regular thousands fewer were physically at both Southern California venues over season will be delayed by two weeks. those two evenings. “It is a sad day for all of us,” Anzevino said. “We’re all fans. We’re here It is hard to quantify how many ticket holders stayed away from the every day or every game. Forty-four games. We know that we’re going to games played in the half-empty arenas because of the widespread be here. I’d be sad if I couldn’t come because I was banned because of a concern over the coronavirus. Now there is no need to consider the virus that may or may not hurt me.” possibility of hockey fans not being allowed to attend any games in the Kings fan Jennifer Hovespian was not nervous about going to immediate future. Wednesday’s game. She noted that her husband works in a hospital There won’t be any to attend. emergency room in Long Beach. More notably, Hovespian is a five-year cancer survivor. The virus threat did not scare her into staying away. The Following a surreal day in the sports world where postponements and prospect of her team no longer playing hurts. cancellations by leagues and athletic conferences hit like a continuous tidal wave, the NHL announced Thursday that it would temporarily “The season is almost over,” said Hovespian, a Torrance resident. “But suspend its 2019-20 season in response to the worldwide COVID-19 it’s sad. For me, personally, I figured, you know what, cancer didn’t kill pandemic threat. There is no timeline on whether it will resume, although me and I’m not going to let this kill me. the league is holding out hope that it can complete it in some format at a “We can’t live in a bubble. I’ve seen a lot of trauma in my life. It is what it later date. is.” The decision was expected. Once it was revealed Wednesday night that The Kings finished Wednesday’s action across the NHL with a 3-2 victory Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had tested positive for the coronavirus, over Ottawa. But with the specter of a possible league-wide hiatus the NBA had no choice but to suspend all activities. Thousands who looming, the game felt much different than a battle between two teams were set to watch the Jazz play the Thunder at Oklahoma City’s trying to finish out their seasons on a positive note. Chesapeake Energy Arena had to leave as the game was immediately postponed before tipoff. Gobert’s teammate, Donovan Mitchell, confirmed “At the start, we weren’t really ready to play,” Kings coach Todd McLellan Thursday that he also tested positive. said. “The night felt strange. It didn’t feel like a normal game. Not as many fans in the stands. Obviously, the players heard the news before And the NHL followed suit. It had to. Though there are no NHL teams in about the basketball game. So, it was a little bit unemotional. Utah or Oklahoma City, there are many who share arenas with their NBA brethren. Staples Center, home to the Lakers and Clippers as well as the “There wasn’t any intensity at least on our behalf, I didn’t think, until we Kings, is among them. The prospect of players spreading the virus to got scored on. Then we realized it was time to play after that. It was each other or anyone else added to the sense of alarm after teams, different for us.” conferences and entire leagues across professional and college sports announced that games would be played in front of only people and Down in Anaheim, Ducks coach Dallas Eakins opted not to address the personnel deemed “essential.” In other words, no fans in the stands. developing situation across sports that was playing out in real time with his players. There was no discussion about the possibility that they could Now there are no games, with the NHL announcing it will “pause” the be playing their final game for some period, if not for the season. There season. The NHLPA approved of this measure. was the one in front of them to focus on.

Statements from individual teams also dotted the new, unsettled It was after the game when he could address the unknown. landscape. The Ducks and Anaheim Arena Management, which operates Honda Center, announced that it fully supported the directive made by “I just look at it as I have a great trust in our leadership,” Eakins said. “I California Gov. Gavin Newsom toward canceling gatherings of 250 or have great trust in our league and our health professionals. And more people across the state. A similar statement by the San Diego whatever they’re going to direct us to do, then we’ll do it. It’s very simple. Gulls, Anaheim’s affiliate in the American Hockey League, was issued “I’m just a big believer and right now everything that’s going on and it’s after the AHL also suspended play until further notice. nothing to do with so much the team but our community. Obviously, “In addition to the announcement by the NHL that the season will be there’s a breakout of a virus going on and I think we need now a massive paused, all other events scheduled to take place at Honda Center breakout of kindness. I think we need a massive breakout of alertness through Mar. 31 have been postponed,” the team wrote. “These and we need a massive breakout of awareness on what we need to do unprecedented steps are being taken for the betterment and well-being and to take these things very, very seriously. of a community we are proud to be part of. The health of everyone “We talk about teams coming together. This is when communities need associated with all of our events, including fans, staff, and to come together. We’re going to need that kindness. We’re going to players/performers, has and will continue to be our number one priority. need that awareness so that we can all keep each other safe. Just not “The Ducks and AAM will continue to consult with the State of California, ourselves, but the people around us.” local health officials and the NHL as we closely monitor developments Anaheim defenseman Josh Manson thought it helped that there was a regarding COVID-19. Further information, including details on ticketing game to lock in on and that it was easy to do. But in this age of instant information, what was going on beyond the Ducks’ locker room was As for the league going on hiatus, Hernandez said, “Maybe it’s better for unavoidable. the league to be proactive and just shut it down. Might be the best option.” “Yeah, it’s a different situation,” Manson said. “How the mass scale of all of everything that this kind of virus like it affects. You know, we’re people Not everyone was that supportive of such a response. There was debate too just like everybody else, right? And we got to take the measures to over whether the reaction from sports leagues to the quickly developing protect ourselves and protect people around us. situation was proper or whether there was overreaction at work.

“But, yeah, it is a little unthinkable to be playing (in) a big rink (seating) “I find it ridiculous to be honest,” Anzevino said. “I understand why they’re 17,000 people here and if there was nobody in it. It may be a weird doing it and the concern. For me, it’s a non-issue. I was going to come atmosphere.” regardless. It’s a non-issue for me to be here.”

It was the same feeling in L.A. “Maybe a slight overreaction,” Hernandez said. “I get why they’re doing this, and I get why they want to stay ahead of the game as far as not “They were aware of what happened in the basketball game in Oklahoma spreading it. But the whole overblowing of it, there could be a slight and the NBA making a decision,” McLellan said. “The guys aren’t dumb.” overreaction. But I understand why.”

On Thursday morning, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that NHL Similar sentiments were shared while the Kings and Senators were commissioner Gary Bettman discussed putting the season on hold in a playing their final games until told otherwise. conference call with team owners and that there was no opposition. “I absolutely understand it,” said Mike Pino, a Kings fan and Redondo When it came to what should happen next, Kings captain Anze Kopitar Beach resident. “I think we all have to be a little bit patient and said “it’s above my pay grade.” But Kopitar did discuss how the COVID- understanding and make sure we’re doing our part.” 19 pandemic is affecting his home country of Slovenia. Huntington Beach resident Nash Gill has been coming to Ducks games “There’s a few cases,” he said. “I think we’re still below 100. … I’m sure since the mid-90s. He recalled going to his first contest with his brother that’s going to go up in the next few days or weeks or whatever the case while he was in the second grade when it was still called the Arrowhead may be. Parents are all right, right now, grandparents are doing good. No Pond. Watching the speed of the sport and the players fiercely competing concerns there.” at the highest level in a live setting was addicting. Attending games is Kings rookie Gabriel Vilardi has family in Italy, which is among the part of his life. Television can’t match that. countries hardest hit by the pandemic. At least 1,000 people have died But Gill also took an understanding tone. from the virus in Italy. The country has limited movement of its people to that of urgent medical or professional need. All shops deemed non- “On the one side, you say, ‘OK, maybe it is not that severe. Maybe it is essential for commerce are closed, as are schools and venues. an overreaction,’” he said. “But I understand the flip side of that if you just get so much worse and everybody has it. I don’t know if I can really make “They’ve been telling me what’s going on,” said Vilardi, a self-described that justification, I’m kind of going to go along with what the leagues “big” soccer fan. “It’s pretty crazy. You see the past couple of weeks, the allow. As long as we can come, we’re coming.” empty stadiums in Europe. What everyone could agree on was that this is an unprecedented time in “Everything is good. My family is more in the south, so it hasn’t been as sports. It affects many — players, coaches, executives, fans, owners. bad down there. But, still, people are taking extra precautions. Nobody is Perhaps most of all, it affects those who work at the arenas — the men really walking the streets or anything. It’s kind of weird — that’s what they and women that work in security and concessions — and use the events tell me.” as a second income or even a primary one to support their cost of living.

It is patently apparent that the concern goes well beyond the sporting For example, a Honda Center employee typically earns $15 an hour and world. Events that usually have a gathering of people in the hundreds or can work five to six hours for a given event. Multiply that with at least 44 thousands are being canceled. Travel between countries is being NHL games (including the preseason). Now add in various concerts or restricted, if not shuttled altogether for the present time. The concern is other events. It could be 80 or more arena dates in a given calendar extending into daily life. year. The prospect of an empty venue for weeks or months can be a “You’re just trying to be as cautious as you possibly can,” Kopitar said. significant pinch to someone who needs the income to get by. Nearby “That’s all you can really do. You can stay out of the big crowded places restaurants can also be hit hard by a significant drop in traffic. as much as you can. I don’t think it’s the best idea to go to the movies or All hope is that this doesn’t become a new normal. the concerts right now — they’re all get cancelled now anyway. You know where I’m going with this. “We’ve gone from kind of being a joke to now it’s getting real serious,” said Irvine resident Greg Bosbonis, who was wearing a Teemu Selanne- “You’re just trying to prevent yourself from being exposed to that stuff themed “8” hat and worked at the arena over its first 10 years. “Where a and do the best you can.” week ago, players couldn’t shake hands. Geno Auriemma made a But the threat of exposure didn’t stop fans from doing the thing they’ve comment that players are leaning on each other all game and sweating, come to relish across the seasons. The hockey community can be a tight but they can’t shake hands. His assistant coach’s son wrestles. They can one. wrestle, but they couldn’t shake hands.

Stanton resident Sheri Hayes has season tickets to the Ducks and “It’s always one of those things you always hear when something Angels. Attending games is a fulfilling part of her retirement. happens. Oh, I never thought it would happen to me or someone who I knew. Whether you have it or not, now everybody’s getting affected by it. “It’s my way of getting out and seeing people,” Hayes said. “It is sad. It’s kind of getting scary and weird.” Very sad. I like to see friends.”

Hayes added that she doesn’t see how the NHL can resume its season if there is a long break. “Players aren’t going to be able to get back up to The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 speed at some point, so that’s not going to really quite work,” she said.

As the third period was about to begin Wednesday at Honda Center, Jason Hernandez found it surprising that the Ducks’ rescheduled game against St. Louis went on after what had occurred with the NBA game in Oklahoma City.

“Once they found out that Rudy Gobert had tested positive, they canceled the game immediately afterward with no warning really,” said Hernandez, a Chino Hills resident. “And then to see the players leaving the court and the fans confused. I’m surprised the game’s going on. But I can see the NHL taking precedence and saying, ‘You know what? No fans.’ That’s what I can see possibly happening.” 1180692 Los Angeles Kings that conversation is happening not only locally, but I think across the nation at this point.

Reporter: Hey guys. How much did the NBA’s decision to suspend its TRANSCRIPT OF LUC ROBITAILLE / KELLY CHEESEMAN league impact or influence what the NHL and the hockey world did? CONFERENCE CALL Luc Robitaille: I would say ‘I don’t know to what level,’ but I would say ‘pretty significant.’ I mean, you get one player that gets diagnosed with the coronavirus – Gary Bettman’s comment, I wasn’t on the call because JON ROSEN we only had our owners on the call, but from hearing it, we want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. So, the more precaution we can have, we MARCH 12, 2020 have to do it. I think once a player was diagnosed with it, it kind of moves everything forward a lot quicker. Correct, Cheese?

LA Kings Conference Call, March 12, 2020 Kelly Cheeseman: Yeah, I would echo that, [Reporter]. As we all know, the discussion was very much about playing in empty buildings I think President, Alternate Governor, Luc Robitaille across most leagues, and that pivoted on a dime last night. That might be the phrase of the day, ‘pivot on a dime,’ because it definitely changed Chief Operating Officer, Alternate Governor, Kelly Cheeseman pretty significantly in a quick order. Luc Robitaille’s opening statement: Thank you, Jeff. First of all, I want to Same reporter, follow-up: And then what things can the hockey ops thank everyone for joining the call here today. Obviously this has been an department be doing right now? Like, can draft prep be going on as it unusual day, to say the least. It’s been challenging. We have a lot of normally would or be changed? Can the team still be preparing in case moving parts and a lot of challenges. It’s been tough. We had to talk with the season does resume at some point down the line? How feasible is it our staff and our players. This is obviously unprecedented, and we’ve to even carry on the basic day-to-day things that would be happening been trying to get all the answers we could. So, that being said, we under normal circumstances? appreciate it that you’ve been patient. Sorry that it took us a little longer. … [pause/audio jump]… to answer as many questions as we can at the Luc Robitaille: I think for now, because this is so fresh and new, for the best of our knowledge. So, I think we can just go ahead and take some next few days we want everyone to take care of their families and take questions. care of themselves. I think by next week we’re going to have a lot of staff working out of home but everybody’s in this new world. Obviously they Reporter: Hi, thank you so much, Luc. Without sharing anything that’s can do a lot of work out of home and so forth, and that’ll probably keep obviously proprietary information, I was just wondering if you could share, going. But I think we’re probably going to address it as we move forward shine some light on what the communications process was yesterday. because we’re all in the unknown. But I would say – today is Thursday. I’m sure there was a web of communications with so many different We’re probably going to start looking at things by Monday or Tuesday as parties all day long, just between city county, state officials, the NHL, a group for us. hockey operations, and how that timeline worked yesterday. Same reporter, follow-up: Have you guys given specific timeline for your Luc Robitaille: It’s been ongoing for awhile. I think every team in Los scouts or people who don’t work in L.A. or maybe are outside the Angeles has been communicating, obviously. With AEG, Dan country, what they should be doing? Beckerman, our CEO’s been talking to a lot of people. There’s been, like I said, a lot of moving parts. As of yesterday, 4 o’clock, it was different, Luc Robitaille: Yeah, we’ve been proactive with it, [Reporter name]. We and then it changed last night when we heard about the NBA. That being basically told them to not fly. That was a few days ago, that if they had to said, we all knew we had to wait for today to see what the league was go to a game where they would drive, we were OK with it. But we didn’t going to do. But I would say to you – and Kelly Cheeseman has been let anybody fly and we were telling them to stay home. At this time of the really involved on a day-to-day talk – we couldn’t even say ‘day-to-day.’ year they’ve done most of their work, anyway, with the scouting. They It’s been hourly. We’ve been in different communications with things as know who all the kids are, so if they want to watch some games, we’d they’ve progressed. We’ve heard from different people. prefer them watching out of home. But obviously the last probably 24 hours have changed things. I don’t foresee too many of our scouts Reporter: A couple questions – are you intending to have players and traveling. I’m not even sure what’s happening with the junior leagues. I staff tested, and if not yet – or maybe they have been already? I was just haven’t followed up with the Canadian junior leagues, but I have a feeling checking on that, thank you. we’re going to watch them from home for now. Luc Robitaille: No, there hasn’t been talk about having players tested. Reporter: This is for Luc or Kelly. Have you guys assessed maybe the We’re kind of on a hold pattern. As of now, the season’s on hold. The financial impact? Obviously we don’t know how many games are going to communication to our players is to say, ‘hey, to a certain degree, be delayed or potentially canceled here, but let’s say the impact of one quarantine yourself, limit your traveling, take care of your families. But it canceled game, how is that going to work on the revenue side, and what is kind of what it is now, and follow what the guidelines are that were kind of insurance or other fail-safes are there in the event that something being given – whether it’s by the government and it’s been passed on by like this does occur? AEG to our team. Luc Robitaille: Go ahead, Cheese. Reporter: Hi, I have two questions. First of all, in previous NHL lockouts, as I recall, the management was not allowed to have contact with Kelly Cheeseman: We won’t comment on specific figures or insurance players. I’m wondering if that is also the case now, and my second publicly on that. I think that it’s a seismic impact, and to Luc’s point question concerns workers like vendors and ushers and ticket-takers and earlier, I think we’re focused on our staff, our players, our families, and all people whose income depends on games, and I’m wondering if AEG has the people impacted by that. It’s a seismic change for everybody, but perhaps made any plans or begun to think about making plans to help that’s not really what it’s about at this point. It’s about the good of those folks if this goes on for a long time and badly affects peoples’ mankind. finances. Same reporter, follow-up: Yeah, of course, and I understand there’s Luc Robitaille: Yeah, I’ll answer the first question. I know Kelly’s been obviously a stronger bottom line than a financial one. Not so much in working closely with everyone at AEG regarding your second question. terms of specific figures, but ‘is there any mitigation of the loss?’ I guess, The first question is: we plan to stay in direct communication with our is my question, because this is obviously something you guys haven’t staff and players. We think it’s very important that everybody gets as had to deal with before. Nobody really has. much information as possible. So, it’s not at all the way it was in the past. This is one thing where we need to take care of each other and we need Kelly Cheeseman: Every situation is completely different. There certainly to make sure that the health of everyone is the number one priority. And, are cases like that on a case-by-case basis, but there’s nothing specific number two, go ahead, Cheese. that we can comment on. Again, I think even in some cases, even the insurance companies are investigating their options. It’s so Kelly Cheeseman: [Reporter], thanks for that question. I think it’s fair to unprecedented that everybody’s working through this in real time. say that with the change and suspension versus playing in front of different crowds, things kind of got turned on a dime last night. We’re not Reporter: Luc, has there been any even informal discussions the last prepared to answer that question directly at this time, but I can tell you two, three weeks that the league would go directly into the playoffs? Or is there an expectation now that the season would pick up from where it Luc Robitaille: We don’t have any information yet. We asked these stops? questions, and I suspect we’re going to get some answers in the next, I would say the next 24 hours, probably less than that. They were going to Luc Robitaille: There has been no discussion. I think the only thing that’s work out on their hockey operations and see what players can do and been said is what the league’s come out with. They would like to finish what the recommendations are, but I don’t have anything for you right the season and start the playoffs, but there’s no timeline and there’s now. been no other discussion. Yeah, remember, they just announced this a couple hours now, so there’s been nothing else now. Reporter: Hey Luc – Today, obviously very different circumstances, but has this reminded you of the feeling of when there have been past work Same reporter, follow-up: I know there have been past situations with stoppages, and the uncertainty that comes with when the league is lockouts, but do you think the league is [intending] on starting and stopped and just not really knowing what comes next? stopping [on a] dime? I mean, I know it’s a different situation here, but just with lockouts, you guys have picked up pretty quickly once Luc Robitaille: No, this is totally different to me. When we had work agreements and stuff have been reached. stoppages, it’s a little different, you kind of felt it was within our bubble of hockey. Now, it’s the entire world, so this is totally different, yeah. Luc Robitaille: Yeah, I mean, you hate to say it’s happened a few times, but it has happened in different situations. If there’s a need for the Reporter: Luc, just expanding on kind of what Jack asked, is it almost, players to start back in a few weeks where they get a week’s training, maybe similar to 9/11 when the sports world ended up being shutdown you would think it’d be OK. I’m not telling you it’s going to be perfect. I for a week and there was so much uncertainty? think that’s the plan right now but like I said, the only thing is said is ‘right now, let’s stop, and let’s see’ – I think everyone’s going to adjust in the Luc Robitaille: Uhh….I was a player then, we did have uncertainty. I think next few weeks. the uncertainty, I guess it’s different in a way. I don’t know how to answer this one. The uncertainty of not knowing what’s next, it feels different. I Reporter: This is a question for both of you. We’ve already heard from think it’s the most important, like I said, there’s a certain part of it that you some fans, even before last night’s game, that were uncomfortable about want to tell everyone that you’re close to, to really take care of going because of the conditions. I was wondering if you had the themselves and it probably was the same feeling we had at that time. To opportunity to kind of give a message to them or send along or anything get close to your family and make sure that you do everything right, you want to pass along. Can these people get refunds, can they get except that I think every situation is different to a certain degree. I see credits towards future tickets, is there any mechanism that they can kind what you mean by that, and maybe this is more about life, about how big of go through to obtain that? it is……..I’m not sure I answered your question correctly, sorry about that. Kelly Cheeseman: Thanks [reporter name] The answer on that is all of our specific refunding and credit policies are being distributed to all of our Same reporter, follow-up: That’s okay, because it just seemed like at that various ticket buyers and segments, from season ticket members, to time, because of what happened and everything, you had all the sports group buyers, to individual buyers, in real time. All situations are shutdown for a week and really kind of everything shutdown that you completely different. I think, where we want to make sure that our fans didn’t know what was next. know, as we’ve referenced, we’ve been through two work stoppages and the media that’s been with us through those two work stoppages, we very Luc Robitaille: Yeah, you’re right. You’re right, you didn’t know what was much have always focused on what’s right for the fans first and what’s next and we kind of feel the same way right now. right for our season-ticket members first. We’ll continue to do that. Again, I want to reiterate, that the change from playing in an empty building to a pause in the season is completely different, as it relates to that, so we’re LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.13.2020 still adjusting some of those things and circumstances, but we’re always going to look at what’s right for the fans first.

Luc Robitaille: We were getting ready to possibly play in front of an empty building, so we were looking at how we were going to handle it when this first happened. Now, we’re going to go back and just figure out exactly how we’re going to handle it. Like Cheese said, our priority is to make sure we take care of our fans and we do the right thing.

Kelly Cheeseman: Yeah, and if I can add onto that, the current plan, as it relates to games is if they are going to be rescheduled in front of full buildings, the tickets would be reapplied to those games, so we’re still working through the complexity of all that. Of course, if people are uncomfortable with that, we’re going to work through that.

Reporter: Thanks so much. About a one and a half part question, you’ve answered part of this already, but how regularly do you anticipate having those leaguewide conference calls, whether with governors, presidents, or hockey figures, and obviously while worldwide health is paramount, have there been yet any sort of benchmarks the league would need to see to be able to re-open the league, or is this just such a nebulous thing that you just take it day by day?

Luc Robitaille: We’re taking it day-by-day. We’re going to assess, we’re going to have a few calls with the league in the next few days over setting up different things, but we’ve got to take it day-by-day to see what happens.

Kelly Cheeseman: They’ve prepared us for daily calls if that’s needed. I think the commissioner has reiterated to all of us, as we’ve reiterated to all of you as well, this is about the focus on everybody’s health and the safety of all of our employees and players first, and we’ll get back to business next.

Reporter: Luc, what has the league communicated to you as far as practice, team meetings, training and that sort of thing, and if they are putting a moratorium on group activities, are players still going to have the facilities available to skate, workout and that sort of thing on an individual basis, during this time period? 1180693 Los Angeles Kings

AHL SUSPENDS PLAY, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

ZACH DOOLEY

MARCH 12, 2020

From the American Hockey League –

With the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans of primary importance, the American Hockey League has announced the suspension of play until further notice, effective immediately, due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

The AHL will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on the 2019-20 season at the appropriate time.

From the Ontario Reign –

Due to the recent developments with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the American Hockey League has suspended the AHL season and will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward. The Ontario Reign support these directives and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our fans, partners, players and staff during this unprecedented time that is impacting our entire community. As this situation continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering timely details as new information is available and encourage everyone to follow the health and safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC and WHO.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180694 Los Angeles Kings “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 NHL PAUSES 2019-20 SEASON; KINGS ISSUE STATEMENT games.

“The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments JON ROSEN without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following MARCH 12, 2020 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 The NHL will pause the 2019-20 regular season due to the concerns of positive at some point – it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time. the coronavirus, the League announced Thursday.

The NHL has 189 games remaining, including 10 scheduled for “We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to Thursday. The regular season was scheduled to end April 4, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs starting the week of April 6. take all reasonable precautions – including by self-quarantine, where appropriate. Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of Stanley Cup. Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing you stay healthy.” today that it will pause the 2019 20 season beginning with tonight’s games.,” the NHL said in a statement. LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.13.2020 “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.”

The announcement comes one day after the NBA announced it was suspending its season after a player on the Utah Jazz tested positive for the virus.

Major League Baseball announced Thursday it was suspending all operations indefinitely. Also Thursday, Major League Soccer announced it was suspending its season for 30 days. The PGA announced that The Players Tournament in Ponte Vedra, Florida, and all tournaments in the near future will be held, but without spectators. The NCAA announced Wednesday it would play all of its championships, including the Frozen Four and the men’s and women’s division I tournaments without fans.

Before the NHL put the season on pause, the Columbus Blue Jackets were scheduled to play the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena on Thursday without fans in response to an order banning mass gatherings in Ohio. The San Jose Sharks, responding to a similar ban in Santa Clara County in California, were planning to play their remaining home games this month without fans at SAP Center.

Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler said Wednesday he was ready to follow whatever steps the NHL would take.

“The League is going to have the best interest of the players and the fans and everyone involved in making this league what it is,” Wheeler said. “You just trust that the information they’re getting is going to be relayed and take the proper steps to make sure [of] the safety of everyone.”

In addition, the State of California has determined that all mass gatherings should be postponed or cancelled for the immediate future.

The LA Kings support these directives and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our fans, partners, players and staff during this unprecedented time that is impacting our entire community.

As this situation continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering timely details as new information is available and encourage everyone to follow the health and safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC and WHO.

Earlier today, National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman released the following statement regarding the 2019-20 NHL season: 1180695 Minnesota Wild Although the Wild was jostling with the likes of Winnipeg, Nashville and Vancouver for one of two wild-card berths, the club’s forecast was encouraging.

NHL suspends season with Wild in playoff limbo Of its remaining 13 games, four were vs. non-playoff teams. The Wild was victorious earlier this season against all but three of the 11 opponents, and seven matchups were on the road, where the group was on a 7-1 run. The Wild was 8-3 in its last 11 games overall. By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune On Wednesday, the Wild returned to practice at Tria Rink in St. Paul MARCH 12, 2020 — 11:58PM amid mostly normal conditions.

One of the most obvious changes, aside from the addition of hand When the Wild’s season would come to an end was already up in the air. sanitizer, was media access — which was held in an adjacent room to the ice instead of inside the locker room. The team was in contention for a playoff spot in a crowded Western Conference race that wouldn’t have been sorted out until the final few The NHL, in conjunction with other pro leagues, announced Monday that games. locker rooms would be open only to players and essential team employees until further notice, but the Wild began holding its media Now that finish line — and the Wild’s playoff hopes — are even murkier. availability outside the locker room last weekend during its road trip in California. The NHL shut down its season Thursday amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, joining other sports leagues in making an unprecedented While interim coach Dean Evason talked Wednesday of the precautions move to halt play. the Wild was taking amid the outbreak, the focus was still very much on hockey and the team’s playoff push. It’s unclear when or how games will resume after the league used the word “paused” in making its announcement. If and when the NHL’s season does restart, it’s unclear if the regular season resumes where it left off, whether an abridged schedule takes This decision came down after the league consulted with medical experts place, or the playoffs start immediately — a possibility that would and convened its Board of Governors over a conference call. Soon after, eliminate the Wild. Even if the standings were organized by points other hockey entities — minor leagues, junior leagues and college percentage — since not all teams have played the same amount of tournaments — suspended or ended their seasons. games — the Wild (. 558) would still fall outside the top eight in the West. A day earlier, the NBA stopped operations after Utah Jazz player Rudy Any scenario, however, could be complicated by arena availability. Gobert tested positive for COVID-19, an illness caused by exposure to a novel coronavirus. The Wild’s season was supposed to end April 4 in Nashville, and the playoffs were scheduled to begin April 8. That news made it “no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, since Only twice in the NHL’s history has the league not handed out the the two leagues share facilities and locker rooms in some cases and “it Stanley Cup: in 2005 after the lockout wiped out the season, and in 1919 now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test because of the Spanish flu. positive at some point.”

Bettman encouraged players and others affiliated with the NHL to take reasonable precautions, including self-quarantine if needed. But how Star Tribune LOADED: 03.13.2020 players spend this downtime is unclear since the NHL didn’t specify whether travel or player-organized practices are permitted.

“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,” the statement continued. “Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay healthy.”

The Wild was set to host the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday evening at Xcel Energy Center before traveling to Philadelphia on Friday to take on the Flyers Saturday afternoon.

Players, coaches and team officials were not made available for comment.

Ahead of the NHL’s announcement, the team called off its morning skate and media availability. This was a leaguewide edict while the hockey world awaited official word from the NHL on its next step. But after the NBA suspended its season Wednesday night, it felt inevitable the NHL would follow suit.

Already, the league was preparing for games without fans since San Jose and Columbus agreed to follow local bans on large gatherings.

Like other teams around the league, the Wild issued a statement supporting the NHL’s decision and said it will continue to work closely with the NHL and local, state and national authorities on its safety measures.

“The health and safety of our community, including our guests, players and staff is of the utmost importance to us,” the statement read.

In the meantime, the Wild’s future is uncertain.

At the time of the stoppage, the Wild was 35-27-7 with 77 points, only one shy from a playoff spot. After its last game Sunday in Anaheim, a 5-4 overtime win, the team was sitting in the first wild-card seed, but it was bumped during an ensuing three-day break in the schedule. 1180696 Minnesota Wild

Wild cancels morning skate as uncertainty looms over NHL season amid coronavirus pandemic

By Sarah McLellan

MARCH 12, 2020 — 9:21AM

As the hockey world waits to see how the NHL will handle the coronavirus pandemic, whether it will continue to play games in some fashion or follow the NBA’s lead and suspend the season, NHL teams have been instructed not to hold morning skates, practices or team meetings Thursday.

That meant the Wild cancelled its 10 a.m. morning skate and media availability.

The team was scheduled to host the Vegas Golden Knights at 7 p.m. at Xcel Energy Center.

This uncertainty comes a day after the Wild returned to practice at TRIA Rink amid mostly normal conditions. One of the most obvious changes, aside from the addition of hand sanitizer around the rink, was media access – which was held in an adjacent room to the ice instead of inside the locker room. Although the NHL, in conjunction with the other pro leagues, didn’t announce this policy change until Monday, the Wild made this switch last weekend during its road trip in California.

But the viability of the NHL season was put into question after the NBA announced Wednesday night that it is suspending its season after a player on the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19, an illness caused by exposure to a novel coronavirus.

The Wild has 13 games remaining on its schedule and at 35-27-7 with 77 points, it’s one point shy of a playoff spot.

Star Tribune LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180697 Minnesota Wild Pioneer Press LOADED: 03.13.2020

NHL suspends season amid coronavirus crisis

By DANE MIZUTANI | [email protected] | Pioneer Press

PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 12:47 p.m. | UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 3:12 p.m.

The NHL has suspended its season.

The league announced the decision for the indefinite halt of play on Thursday afternoon in a statement from commissioner Gary Bettman.

“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,” Bettman said in a release.

This announcement comes a little more than three weeks before the scheduled conclusion of the 2019-20 regular season.

While no timetable has been given for when the league might play again, Bettman said in the statement, “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.”

This work stoppage means the Wild will not play their Thursday night game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Xcel Energy Center.

It is still unclear what this means for the Wild on a broader scale. They were only one point back of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference as of Thursday.

“The Minnesota Wild supports the NHL’s decision to pause games until further notice,” the team said in a release. “The health and safety of our community, including our guests, players and staff is of the utmost importance to us. We will continue to work closely with the NHL and local, state and national authorities on all of our safety measures and any necessary next steps we need to take in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

This decision from the NHL felt inevitable considering the current landscape surrounding the coronavirus.

On Wednesday night, the NBA suspended its season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. Since then, teammate Donovan Mitchell also has tested positive.

“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,” Bettman said in a release. “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.”

On Thursday, the MLS also suspended its season indefinitely, and every major college basketball conference, including the Big Ten, opted to cancel their respective tournaments.

Before the NHL made its decision on Thursday afternoon, the Wild canceled its morning skate and media availability, perhaps foreshadowing what was to come.

“It’s a scary thing, obviously, in our world today,” Wild interim coach Dean Evason said Wednesday. “We are just going to follow protocol and whatever is asked of us.”

The NHL Players Association released the following statement on Thursday: “The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID- 19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time. The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.” 1180698 Minnesota Wild Sources confirm that the NHL has asked teams to provide arena building availability through the end of July just in case the season can be extended.

‘Hopefully, this isn’t it for us’: Where the Wild stand as the NHL hits But the reality is this is uncharted waters and nobody can tell you where pause things are heading or if it’s even going to be an option to continue the season.

Sources say the league will consider all ideas if health authorities By Michael Russo eventually determine it’s safe for the league to resume.

Mar 12, 2020 That could include somehow rescheduling the rest of the regular season or coming up with a shortened regular season, ending the regular season

and immediately starting the playoffs, coming up with a truncated In a story that keeps changing as fast as the coronavirus is spreading, postseason or even a different type of a postseason setup. the NHL followed the NBA’s lead of Wednesday night by doing what was If the regular season is ultimately canceled and the playoffs were to unthinkable just 24 hours before — pausing its season indefinitely begin immediately, the Wild, who have played one fewer game than beginning with Thursday’s games, including the Wild’s home game Calgary and two fewer than Winnipeg (two of the teams ahead of them) against the Vegas Golden Knights. are technically outside the top-eight either way you look at it. The NHL will monitor the global pandemic day by day and its hope “is to They’re currently one point out of a playoff spot and have the 10th-best resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent so that we will be points percentage (.558) in the Western Conference. Calgary has the able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup.” eighth-best at .564 — had the Wild amassed just one more point, they'd What that means is anybody’s guess, especially for a Wild team that is 8- be at .565. 3 in its past 11 games and a point out of a playoff spot with 13 regular- As one player said, “You look back and wish you could take the start of season games remaining. the season back or some of our recent losses. But it would be a real Players have been told to go home, take necessary precautions like the shame if it ends as-is after the run we made and what we’ve strung rest of society and wait things out. Teams are temporarily unable to meet together and the feelings we’ve had around the rink. The real shame is or practice as this fluid situation is monitored and reevaluated in the being hours away from playing a Vegas team that if we won we could be coming days and weeks. back in. Hopefully, this gets worked out in a way where we can resume. But if it ends as-is, that’ll make for an awfully long summer, I’ll tell you “It’s a TV timeout,” one player, who asked for anonymity because players that.” have been asked to refrain from talking to reporters, told The Athletic. “Honestly, it’s like you have all the momentum and then you go into There are other questions, too, if the 2019-20 season either officially commercial break. Hopefully, it’s a short pause in the season. Hopefully, ends or the Wild aren’t included in the playoffs. this isn’t it for us. This is just so weird.” — Mikko Koivu turned 37 Thursday. Is this how the Wild’s all-time top It sure is an eerie, surreal feeling as sports, often an escape in this scorer and leader in games-played goes out? country, have ground to a halt. Koivu is in the last year of his contract, and after 15 seasons, many of his Wild players arrived at Xcel Energy Center like any normal gameday for confidants have indicated that he’s leaning toward retirement. When he an optional morning skate Thursday. But the NHL would soon cancel all declined to waive his no-move clause a few weeks ago to be traded to leaguewide morning skates and practices in advance of a noon CT Board another team, he made it very clear that he couldn’t envision himself of Governors meeting where Commissioner Gary Bettman posed a playing in another uniform. pause in the season. Reportedly, no owners argued against it. — Dean Evason is 8-4 as the Wild’s interim coach. How would this affect On Thursday morning, Wild players met with the team for an update on his chances of potentially elevating toward becoming the next full-time COVID-19 and then were told to go home and prepare like they would be coach of the Wild? playing that night against the Golden Knights. General manager Bill Guerin has always made clear that he will conduct In the meantime, the Golden Knights stayed in their St. Paul hotel rooms an extensive search and that Evason would be in the mix, but guiding the awaiting word if they would play in the evening or return to Las Vegas. Wild into the playoffs and potentially on a run would absolutely catapult They eventually headed for the airport. Evason into legitimate contender status.

Thursday afternoon’s decision to put the league on hiatus seemed If the season does pick back up, that too raises questions. Rabid Wild inevitable after the NBA abruptly announced Wednesday night that it was fans were instantly wondering if a resumed season could ultimately mean suspending its season after word came that Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert prized prospect Kirill Kaprizov joins the Wild this season. Guerin has tested positive for the virus before the Jazz were set to face the Thunder. indicated in the past that Kaprizov’s two-year, entry-level contract would The MLS followed suit Thursday morning, as did the NWHL, which start next season, but Kaprizov is technically allowed to sign with the announced that the Isobel Cup Final between the Minnesota Whitecaps Wild as of May 1. Neither Guerin nor team president Matt Majka were and the Boston Pride scheduled for Friday in Boston would be available for comment Thursday. postponed. Similarly, the NCHC canceled its tournament at Xcel Energy As one player did say Thursday from a glass-half-full point of view, “This Center with the WCHA also canceling its tournament. might help with some of the nagging injuries that we’ve been dealing “The Minnesota Wild supports the NHL’s decision to pause games until with. If we have a full lineup and everybody’s healthy, I like our chances. further notice,” the Wild said in a statement. “The health and safety of our Obviously, it’s not ideal the timing of this, but at the same time, it could community, including our guests, players and staff is of the utmost be beneficial.” importance to us. We will continue to work closely with the NHL and And as another player joked regarding budding star Kevin Fiala, who had local, state and national authorities on all of our safety measures and any 14 goals and 26 points in the last 18 games, “Hopefully Kevin’s skating necessary next steps we need to take in regards to the COVID-19 during our break.” pandemic.

“The team will communicate to Season Ticket Members, corporate partners, single-game buyers and other affected parties with additional The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 information soon. We appreciate the understanding of our fans, corporate partners and guests under these extraordinary circumstances.”

The team was expected to provide further information later Thursday for fans who currently hold tickets for the remaining six home games. 1180699 MontrealCanadiens statement. “Ticket holders are asked to keep their tickets. They will receive a communication later to be informed of the procedures to be followed, depending on the sequence of events. We would like to thank all supporters for their support and understanding.” Stu Cowan: Gary Bettman convinces NHL owners to 'pause' season Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, met with the media after Wednesday night’s 113-97 win over the Denver Nuggets to discuss the NBA’s decision to suspend the season and his comments were fantastic STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE during this pandemic. Updated: March 12, 2020 “Ok, so we won the last game of the season so we’re officially champs,” Cuban joked before getting serious.

The Canadiens won’t win the Stanley Cup this year, but NHL “Obviously very concerned, but it’s not necessarily about basketball,” he commissioner Gary Bettman is hoping some team will. said about the coronavirus. “Obviously, this is much bigger than basketball. I’m concerned about whether my kids have school or not. I’m The NHL announced Thursday afternoon that it was putting the season concerned are we all doing the right thing, because this is obviously new on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Bettman chose to use territory. This is certainly a black swan event in my experiences and so the word “pause” instead of “suspend” following a conference call with basketball actually becomes secondary.” the league’s board of governors. Cuban added: “This is people’s lives at stake. This isn’t about basketball, “Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so this isn’t about the Mavericks, this isn’t about when do we start or do we that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup,” start or how do we start. This is a global pandemic where people’s lives Bettman said in a statement after the conference call. “Until then, we are at stake. I’m a lot more worried about my kids and my mom, who’s 82 thank NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay healthy.” years old, and talking to her and telling her to stay in the house than I am about when we play our next game.” A source Thursday morning said Bettman’s decision to suspend the season would be announced in the afternoon and was inevitable, but that Amen. a few NHL owners were in “total denial.” Bettman made the correct decision even if all NHL owners weren’t on board at first.

The NBA had already announced it was “suspending” its season on Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.13.2020 Wednesday, starting with Thursday’s games, after Utah Jazz all-star centre Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. On Thursday, Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell also tested positive.

MLS announced Thursday its season was being suspended for 30 days, coming about 90 minutes before the NHL’s decision was announced. The AHL later said its season was also being suspended.

For Montreal sports fans, that means the Canadiens, Impact and have all been shut down and when they might return to action remains uncertain. Major League Baseball announced Thursday it has cancelled the remainder of its spring-training games and that the start of the 2020 regular season will be delayed by at least two weeks. That means two spring-training games between the New York Yankees and scheduled for March 23-24 at Olympic Stadium won’t happen.

The NHL source said the league didn’t announce it would suspend — or “pause” — games Wednesday night because Bettman still needed to get all the owners on board, which he eventually did. In Bettman’s statement, he noted that NBA and NHL players share many facilities and locker rooms during the season and that “it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point” and added “it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time.”

Canadiens players and some media members had already arrived at the Bell Sports Complex in Thursday for a 10:30 a.m. morning skate before the NHL announced at 10 a.m. that clubs had been advised not to hold morning skates, practices or team meetings. Shortly after that, the Canadiens confirmed the morning skate had been cancelled, the players were sent home and there was no media availability.

The Canadiens had been scheduled to play the Buffalo Sabres Thursday night at the Bell Centre.

What happens next with the NHL schedule is anyone’s guess, but TSN senior hockey writer Frank Seravalli reported on Twitter that he was hearing teams have been asked to provide arena availability through the end of July.

The Canadiens have 11 games remaining on their schedule, including four at the Bell Centre. If the NHL eventually decides to cancel the rest of the regular season and start with the playoffs when action resumes — based on the standings when play stopped — the Canadiens would be done, missing the playoffs for the third straight season and the fourth time in five years.

The Canadiens issued a statement Thursday afternoon saying they support the NHL’s decision to pause the season.

“The club takes the health and safety of supporters, employees, all players and team personnel very seriously,” the Canadiens said in the 1180700 MontrealCanadiens

AHL follows NHL's lead and suspends season due to coronavirus

STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE

Updated: March 12, 2020

Following the NHL’s lead, the AHL announced Thursday that it is suspending its season because of the coronavirus outbreak.

“With the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans of primary importance, the American Hockey League has announced the suspension of play until further notice, effective immediately, due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic,” the AHL said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. “The AHL will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on the 2019-20 season at the appropriate time.”

The Laval Rocket played Wednesday night at Place Bell, extending their winning streak to four games when they beat the Belleville Senators 3-0 at Place Bell.

That was the good news for the Rocket, along with defenceman Noah Juulsen playing his first game since Nov. 29 after being sidelined with recurring headaches and goaltender Cayden Primeau making 15 saves for his fourth shutout of the season.

The Rocket also got bad news Wednesday when they learned Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s season was over because of a spleen injury he suffered during a 5-1 win over the Monsters in Cleveland last Friday night. Kotkaniemi had 1-12-13 totals in 13 games with the Rocket since being sent down by the Canadiens. In 36 games with the Canadiens, the 19- year-old centre had 6-2-8 totals.

Nikita Jevpalovs, Jake Lucchiani and Joseph Blandisi scored for the Rocket Wednesday night, while Primeau improved his record to 17-11-3 with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. The Rocket outshot the Senators 37-15.

The Rocket improved their record to 30-24-8, good for sixth place in the North Division, four points behind the fourth-place Binghamton Devils for the final playoff spot with 14 games left on the season schedule. The Rocket outscored the opposition 18-5 during their four-game win streak and are 7-1 in their last eight games.

Rocket had been scheduled to play the Devils at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Place Bell.

Juulsen played in only his 13th game this season with the Rocket Wednesday night and has 0-3-3 totals. The 22-year-old defenceman was limited to 21 games with the Canadiens last season after getting hit in the face twice with a puck during a game against the in November, suffering a facial fracture. The headaches have been a recurring problem ever since.

The Canadiens selected Juulsen in the first round (26th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180701 MontrealCanadiens The Canadiens, who have 11 games remaining in their season, were scheduled to fly to California on Friday to begin a four-game road trip with games in Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose and Denver.

NHL decides to suspend season because of coronavirus The Canadiens’ game next Thursday night in San Jose would have been played without fans in the arena. The Santa Clara County public health officer announced that beginning Wednesday there was a ban on all gatherings of more than 1,000 people until the end of March, including STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE the SAP Center, which is home to the Sharks. There were 43 confirmed Updated: March 12, 2020 cases of the coronavirus in Santa Clara County at the time of the health officer’s announcement on Monday, including the first reported death, a woman in her 60s.

The NHL announced Thursday afternoon that it is suspending the The NCAA announced Wednesday that its March Madness men’s remainder of the season due to the coronavirus outbreak. basketball tournament would go on as scheduled, but that fans wouldn’t be allowed to attend games, scheduled to begin next Tuesday, because The Canadiens had been scheduled to play the Buffalo Sabres Thursday of the coronavirus. On Thursday, the NCAA changed its plans and night at the Bell Centre, but that game is now suspended. announced that both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments The NHL is following the NBA and Major League Soccer in suspending have been cancelled for this year. the remainder of its season. The NBA made its announcement on The NHL regular season was scheduled to end on Saturday, April 4, Wednesday, while MLS made its announcement about 90 minutes before when the Canadiens were slated to face the Maple Leafs in Toronto. the NHL announced its decision at 1:35 p.m. Thursday. Including Thursday’s scheduled matchup with the Sabres, the Canadiens On Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus have four home games left on their schedule. outbreak a pandemic.

“In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.13.2020 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,” Thursday’s statement from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.

“The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments without taking premature and 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.”

TSN senior hockey writer Frank Seravalli reported on Twitter that he was hearing NHL teams have been asked to provide arena building availability through the end of July.

The NBA announced it “will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.” Two NBA players have tested positive for the coronavirus.

MLS put out a statement on its website just before noon Thursday about suspending its season.

“Major League Soccer has suspended match play for 30 days, effective immediately, as the league continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 with its medical task force and public health officials,” the MLS statement said. “At the appropriate time, the league and clubs will communicate plans for the continuation of the 2020 season and update the status of league events.”

The Montreal Impact’s second-leg CONCACAF Champions League match against Olimpia in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, slated for Tuesday, is also postponed, reports said.

The AHL also announced Thursday that its schedule has been suspended. The Laval Rocket were scheduled to play the Binghamton Devils Friday night at Place Bell.

On Thursday, the ATP announced that it would suspend its men’s professional tennis tour for six weeks.

On Wednesday, the World Figure Skating Championships scheduled to be held next week at the Bell Centre were cancelled by the Quebec government. On Saturday, the Women’s World Hockey Championship, which was set to begin on March 31 in Halifax, was postponed. 1180702 Nashville Predators

Predators encourage players to 'self-isolate' during 'pause' caused by coronavirus

Paul Skrbina, Nashville Tennessean

Published 8:02 p.m. CT March 12, 2020

The CDC recommends taking simple, everyday steps to avoid catching or spreading respiratory diseases, including the coronavirus, COVID-19. These include covering your cough or sneeze, disinfecting commonly used surfaces, and thoroughly washing or sanitizing your hands. Call your doctor if you feel sick, and stay home if you are sick. Get more information at CDC.gov/coronavirus.

The Predators are known for being visible in the Nashville community.

Now the players are being encouraged to stay out of the community in wake of the coronavirus pandemic that caused the suspension of every major league, including the NHL on Thursday, as well as the cancellation of the NCAA basketball tournaments.

Predators president and CEO Sean Henry said the team, which was in Toronto for Thursday's scheduled game against the Maple Leafs, likely won't practice during the what the league called a "pause" in play. He said players would be paid during the hiatus and added he hopes they will stay in the Nashville area and "self-isolate."

"Have them stay in our community, have them stay in our market," Henry said. "While we're doing that, truly have them self-isolate.

"It's a very odd dynamic for us, to have them in our community and not get them out. We want them to stay healthy. ... We really are taking a pause because you don't know when you can resume normal activities. When we can, we will."

Henry said the team is "taking our lead from the state board of health and the CDC" when it comes to testing for the virus. He said there are no "blanket testing" procedures in place as of yet. He said the team would "arrange for a test if that's necessary" for any employees, including players, who show symptoms.

Henry didn't want to speculate how long the "pause" might last or the possibility of the NHL stretching the playoffs into late summer, which could create conflicts in arenas because of previously scheduled events.

"I've never been big on hypotheticals," Henry said. "I can answer that in 15 different ways and be wrong 15 times.

"Anything is possible. ... The real key is first you have to figure out when we should start playing before we can answer what we should do next. ... You have to look at what the bigger picture is and make sure the game fits within that."

The Predators occupied the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference when play was suspended.

Henry said should any of the remaining six home games be postponed or canceled, refunds will be available.

"It's hard to put a timeframe on it because you don't know how long it will be, so we put an arbitrary number on it — one week, two weeks, a month, until next November," he said. "You don't know. So the idea is, let's put it on pause, which, you look at the word, at first you think it's an odd word to use. But in reality that's exactly what it is — we're pausing the season to figure out when we can start again. Ideally, that's as soon as it's as safe as possible."

Henry also said employees scheduled to work this weekend's canceled SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena will be paid and that a plan beyond that, which he hopes is similar, is being discussed.

Tennessean LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180703 Nashville Predators

Predators say ticket refunds will be issued if games canceled

Paul Skrbina, Nashville Tennessean

Published 6:22 p.m. CT March 12, 2020 | Updated 6:37 p.m. CT March 12, 2020

The CDC recommends taking simple, everyday steps to avoid catching or spreading respiratory diseases, including the coronavirus, COVID-19. These include covering your cough or sneeze, disinfecting commonly used surfaces, and thoroughly washing or sanitizing your hands. Call your doctor if you feel sick, and stay home if you are sick. Get more information at CDC.gov/coronavirus.

The NHL "paused" its season Thursday in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

When the league will press play again remains to be seen. But if it doesn't, and games at Bridgestone Arena are canceled, Predators fans will receive refunds for single-game and season-ticket purchases, team president and CEO Sean Henry said.

The team had six home games scheduled before the league suspended play.

"If any event is postponed off the date it's scheduled for, someone has to request the refund," Henry said. "If it's postponed, they'll get it from the original point of purchase.

"If a game is canceled or an event is canceled, then it's an automatic refund."

Henry said season-ticket holders will hear from representatives in the coming days.

"If we aren't going to play a game, we want to make sure they get their money back as fast as possible, or reuse it for something else they'd like to do," Henry said, suggesting some people might want to donate their refunds to other funds or bank it for future use."

Henry said the upcoming Preds and Threads charity event, scheduled for Tuesday, along with the annual wine festival, scheduled for April 3, both have been canceled.

The SEC men's basketball tournament, which began Wednesday but was canceled Thursday, was to run through Sunday at Bridgestone.

The arena also plays host to many other events, including concerts.

Henry said Pearl Jam's concert, scheduled for April 2, will change dates.

The next act scheduled to perform at Bridgestone is comedian Jeff Dunham on March 20. Henry said the arena is working with Dunham's team on details.

As for the building's main tenant, the Predators, the immediate future is up in the air.

"I don't know how long the pause will be," Henry said. "None of us do."

Tennessean LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180704 Nashville Predators They had six scheduled home games remaining during the regular season — March 19 vs. the Avalanche; March 21 vs. the Flyers; March 24 vs. the Jets; March 26 vs. the Kings; April 1 vs. Canadiens; and April 4 vs. the Wild. NHL suspends season because of coronavirus concerns A plan for how the rest of the season and how the playoffs could play out is not yet known.

Paul Skrbina, Nashville Tennessean “We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice and we will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to Published 12:32 p.m. CT March 12, 2020 | Updated 4:50 p.m. CT March take all reasonable precautions — including by self-quarantine, where 12, 2020 appropriate," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "Our goal is to resume play as soon as is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup.” The CDC recommends taking simple, everyday steps to avoid catching or spreading respiratory diseases, including the coronavirus, COVID-19. These include covering your cough or sneeze, disinfecting commonly Tennessean LOADED: 03.13.2020 used surfaces, and thoroughly washing or sanitizing your hands. Call your doctor if you feel sick, and stay home if you are sick. Get more information at CDC.gov/coronavirus.

The NHL has suspended its season indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic, a league source told The Tennessean early Thursday afternoon.

The league officially announced what it called a "pause" in the season later Thursday afternoon.

“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 league's statement read.

“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."

The news came a day after the NBA suspended its season "until further notice" Wednesday after Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. On Thursday, it was learned his teammate Donovan Mitchell also tested positive.

Eleven NBA and NHL teams share arenas.

Bridgestone Arena, home of the Predators, was playing host to the SEC Tournament this week. Wednesday's games were open to fans, but the conference announced Thursday morning that the remainder of the tournament was canceled.

Major League baseball announced later Thursday afternoon it has canceled the remainder of spring training and pushed the start of the season back by at least two weeks.

Major League Soccer also announced Thursday that it has postponed its season for at least 30 days.

The NHL Players Association released a statement Thursday saying it agreed with the decision to stop play for the time being.

“The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time.

“The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants and our players regarding all aspects of this matter,” the NHLPA said in a statement. “Players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

Some professional and college sports leagues already had said they would not allow fans into games before the announcement. The Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks in the NHL announced Wednesday that their home games would be closed to the general public, before the league made its announcement.

The Predators were in the midst of a five-game road trip, which includes a stop Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. They were scheduled to play in Toronto on Thursday night. 1180705 New Jersey Devils

Devils support decision to suspend NHL season as coronavirus forces Prudential Center to shut down

Updated Mar 12, 2020; Posted Mar 12, 2020

By Chris Ryan

The Devils released a statement on Thursday afternoon following the NHL’s decision to suspend the NHL season amid the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Along with agreeing with the league’s decision to suspend play, the team announced Prudential Center will be shut down until the end of March, meaning no games or concerts will be held in Newark.

Devils managing partner Josh Harris said the organization is committed to assisting arena employees over the course of the shut down.

Seven of the Devils’ remaining 13 games in the 2019-20 season were scheduled to be played at Prudential Center, including a game on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes, which was postponed.

Here is the full statement from the Devils:

The New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center are supportive of the NHL’s decision to suspend the season. Similarly, in consultation with our live event partners, promoters and artists, we have postponed all events at the Prudential Center through the end of March. The health and well- being of our fans, players, performers, artists, staff members, partners and communities are of the utmost importance, and we remain in close communication with public health, state and local officials during this challenging period.

As we navigate the coming weeks, we recognize that our Devils and Prudential Center staff members are family and the heartbeat of the organization. As such, we are committed to assisting our arena associates through this period.

“In this time of need, we need to band together and take care of people,” Managing Partner Josh Harris stated, “Our teams, our cities and the leagues in which we operate are a family, and we are committed to looking out for one another.”

The Devils also extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the many talented doctors, nurses, medical professionals and emergency services personnel who are working tirelessly to address this matter of public health.

We will provide further updates as soon as possible.

Star Ledger LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180706 New Jersey Devils

Coronavirus forces NHL to suspend regular season | What’s next? (UPDATE)

Updated Mar 12, 2020; Posted Mar 12, 2020

By Chris Ryan

The 2019-20 NHL regular season is on hold. The league will suspend play for all 31 teams starting on Thursday in response to the continued outbreak of the coronavirus around the United States, Canada and the world.

The league released the following statement:

“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.”

The NHL’s goal is to continue to evaluate the situation and resume play when deemed appropriate.

The NHL’s decision followed the NBA’s move to suspend its schedule on Wednesday night when Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus, prompting the postponement of a game between the Jazz and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The NHL regular season was scheduled to end on Saturday, April 4, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to begin the following week. A timeline for when and how play could resume has not been made clear.

The league’s Board of Governors met on Thursday, when the suspension was made official.

The NHL did not take action on Wednesday night in wake of the NBA’s decision, electing to take more time while conversations continued between the league and the NHLPA. Morning skates around the league were cancelled on Thursday.

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Prior to suspending games, the NHL had already altered its media policies, restricting reporters from locker rooms.

The San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets were also set to play home games without fans in the coming days and weeks, based on local mandates around the teams’ arenas.

Star Ledger LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180707 New Jersey Devils

Devils, Prudential Center take further action after NHL suspends season due to coronavirus

Abbey Mastracco, NHL Writer

Published 4:49 p.m. ET March 12, 2020 | Updated 4:54 p.m. ET March 12, 2020

Prudential Center will be a lonely place this month.

The New Jersey Devils and their home arena issued a statement following the NHL’s decision to suspend the season indefinitely due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Aside from Devils’ home games, all Prudential Center events in the month of March have been postponed.

“The New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center are supportive of the NHL’s decision to suspend the season. Similarly, in consultation with our live event partners, promoters and artists, we have postponed all events at the Prudential Center through the end of March,” the statement said. “The health and well-being of our fans, players, performers, artists, staff members, partners and communities are of the utmost importance, and we remain in close communication with public health, state and local officials during this challenging period.”

Concerts scheduled for March include Billie Eilish, Nick Cannon’s Wild ’N Out Live tour and the Millennium Tour with Omarion, Bow Wow and Ashanti. In addition, the All Elite Wrestling event and the annual Mikey Strong charity hockey game were also slated for March.

People surround the Prudential Center, in Newark, before the MTV Video Music Awards. Monday, August 26, 2019

The organization also promised assistance to arena workers, though they did not go into detail. The suspension of operations for sports and entertainment events is expected to be financially catastrophic for many hourly and freelance workers who rely on income from live events. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was the first owner to pledge to help hourly workers at American Airlines Center with an assistance package of some sort and other organizations are attempting to do the same.

“As we navigate the coming weeks, we recognize that our Devils and Prudential Center staff members are family and the heartbeat of the organization,” the statement continued. “As such, we are committed to assisting our arena associates through this period.”

The team also thanked medical professionals and emergency service personnel while managing partner/owner Josh Harris urged unity.

“In this time of need, we need to band together and take care of people,” Harris said. “Our teams, our cities and the leagues in which we operate are a family, and we are committed to looking out for one another.”

Harris and his partner David Blitzer own and operate the Devils and Prudential Center. Their company Harris Blitzer Sports and entertainment also owns the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bergen Record LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180708 New York Islanders “We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we will encourage all 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 NHL pauses 2019-2020 season amid coronavirus outbreak 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.” By Andrew Gross The Islanders were in Calgary for Thursday night’s scheduled game [email protected] @AGrossNewsday against the Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Rangers had remained in Denver rather than traveling to Glendale, Arizona, after their Updated March 13, 2020 1:13 AM 3-2 overtime loss to the Avalanche on Wednesday night.

Many NHL teams issued statements supporting the league’s decision, including the Islanders. CALGARY, Alberta — The NHL season, like almost all sports in North America, is on hold. “Earlier today, the National Hockey League announced that the 2019-20 regular season has been paused until further notice,” the Islanders said. The league announced on Thursday that it is suspending its season in “The health and safety of our players, fans, staff and the entire Islanders’ response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, though it still hopes to family is our top priority. We will continue to stay in touch with medical resume play and the playoffs “as soon as it is appropriate and prudent.” experts, the NHL office and government officials to monitor the ongoing The league’s Board of Governors approved the measure during a COVID-19 crisis. conference call led by commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday. The “All tickets remain valid for postponed games. If any games are canceled, AHL, the NHL’s top minor-league affiliate, also suspended its season details about refunds and credits will be communicated at that time. after the NHL’s announcement. Thank you for your patience and flexibility during these unprecedented “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and times.” after consulting with medical experts and convening a call of the Board of In a release on behalf of Madison Square Garden, the Rangers said: “We Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will support Governor Cuomo’s decision and, starting tomorrow night, our pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight’s games,” the NHL said New York venues will only host events that adhere to the Governor’s very in a statement released on Thursday afternoon. clear parameters. This is a fluid situation and we will be back with further When, or if, the NHL will be able to resume play is a giant question that, details when available.” of course, cannot be immediately answered.

Also to be asked: How long will the NHL be willing to suspend its season Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.13.2020 in hopes of resuming play? As it is, the Stanley Cup Final typically stretches into the second week of June. Would the NHL be willing to play into July and, if so, would the league then have to push back the start of next season?

For now, NHL teams will not be allowed to practice or meet. Travel for organizational personnel, such as scouts, also has been banned.

The NHL Players Association quickly endorsed the action.

“The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time,” the NHLPA said in a statement. “The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

It follows the NBA’s decision on Wednesday to suspend its season after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus. Gobert’s teammate, Donovan Mitchell, subsequently also tested positive. The NBA has told its teams its season will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days.

Major League Baseball suspended operations for the next four weeks and MLS also announced on Thursday it was suspending its season.

There will be no March Madness, either. The NCAA announced on Thursday afternoon that it was canceling its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments as well as all remaining winter and spring championships.

That came on the same day that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned gatherings of 500 or more people in the state.

Earlier Thursday, the NHL told its teams to cancel their morning skates and media availability sessions for the day.

“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,” the NHL’s statement said. “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. 1180709 New York Islanders

Islanders return home amid NHL shutdown and brace for the unknown

By Arthur Staple

Mar 12, 2020

On Wednesday, there were questions to players and Barry Trotz about how to break out of a seven-game winless streak.

On Thursday, it didn’t matter anymore. The NHL’s decision to suspend the season indefinitely didn’t take anyone around the Islanders by surprise, not when various members of the team found out about the NBA’s decision to postpone its season while at dinner in Calgary on Wednesday night. But it was still a bizarre day for the players, waiting for official word from the league before flying home.

The next steps are as up in the air for the Islanders as they are for every other team: Three weeks seem to be the minimum amount of time the NHL is hoping to stay on hiatus, though that seems hopelessly optimistic. In the meantime, players are reportedly encouraged not to organize practices; it’s not known if injured players will continue coming to Northwell Health Ice Center for treatment or if players can come in to the facility to work out individually, but the NHLPA will be trying to answer questions via the 31 player reps. Anders Lee is the Isles’ PA representative.

“You think about a little bit of the future and it’s scary times,” Trotz said on Tuesday in Vancouver, when even the concept of playing games in empty arenas was still speculative. “Whatever the government decides in terms of doing what’s right, whether it’s quarantine or whatever, we do it. Even if we don’t understand, there are people above my pay grade making those decisions. Whatever is best to get this thing put away, everybody should be on board. There shouldn’t be any pushback.”

Even without practices and games, personal situations go on. Thomas Hickey remained in Calgary to be with his family and plan a service for his brother, Dan, who passed away on Tuesday. Lauren Eberle and Meg Bailey are due to give birth in the coming days or weeks. Plenty of other Islanders have kids whose schools on the Island are closed.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty going on, a lot of news that’s coming out,” Lee said on Tuesday. His wife, Grace, gave birth to their first child last week. “Like anyone else, you want your family to be safe and healthy.”

There could be debate about whether, if the regular season is canceled and the current standings apply to a postseason that could begin weeks from now, the Islanders would qualify. They’ve played fewer games than the Blue Jackets but have a higher points percentage.

But that’s for a time nowhere near today. The Islanders made it to their homes on Thursday. For now, that’s all that matters.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180710 New York Rangers

NHL suspends season due to coronavirus concerns; NY Rangers playoff push put on hold

Vincent Z. Mercogliano, NHL Writer

Published 1:43 p.m. ET March 12, 2020 | Updated 2:22 p.m. ET March 12, 2020

DENVER - The NHL is putting its season on hold.

Less than 24 hours after the NBA announced it would suspend its season "until further notice" due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, the NHL announced it was following suit on 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," the league's statement read. “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," the statement continued. "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."

There is no timetable for when the suspension will be lifted and no plans for how the league will proceed whenever play does resume, although the statement clearly indicates that the hope is to finish the season.

There have yet to be any confirmed cases of coronavirus among NHL players, whereas the NBA has at least two with Utah Jazz players Rudy Gobert and Elmsford native Donovan Mitchell. Still, with many NHL and NBA teams sharing arenas and concerns about the spread of the virus increasing, the league determined it was time to hit pause.

Many NHL teams, including the New York Rangers, had cut off locker room access for reporters since Saturday. The Rangers played Wednesday night in Denver, a 3-2 overtime loss, and were scheduled to travel to Arizona for their next game against the Coyotes this coming Saturday. Instead, the team remained in Denver and is now returning home to New York.

"Obviously, we want to keep playing," defenseman Marc Staal said Wednesday night. "But if it’s a health risk to people, smarter people than us make decisions like that. We just have to live with it and go from there."

The Rangers (37-28-5) were scheduled to play 12 more games this season, but the priority has shifted to preserving the health of fans, players and others who work within the league and around the game.

Bergen Record LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180711 New York Rangers “We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we will encourage all 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 NHL pauses 2019-2020 season amid coronavirus outbreak 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.” By Andrew Gross The Islanders were in Calgary for Thursday night’s scheduled game [email protected] @AGrossNewsday against the Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Rangers had remained in Denver rather than traveling to Glendale, Arizona, after their Updated March 13, 2020 1:13 AM 3-2 overtime loss to the Avalanche on Wednesday night.

Many NHL teams issued statements supporting the league’s decision, including the Islanders. CALGARY, Alberta — The NHL season, like almost all sports in North America, is on hold. “Earlier today, the National Hockey League announced that the 2019-20 regular season has been paused until further notice,” the Islanders said. The league announced on Thursday that it is suspending its season in “The health and safety of our players, fans, staff and the entire Islanders’ response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, though it still hopes to family is our top priority. We will continue to stay in touch with medical resume play and the playoffs “as soon as it is appropriate and prudent.” experts, the NHL office and government officials to monitor the ongoing The league’s Board of Governors approved the measure during a COVID-19 crisis. conference call led by commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday. The “All tickets remain valid for postponed games. If any games are canceled, AHL, the NHL’s top minor-league affiliate, also suspended its season details about refunds and credits will be communicated at that time. after the NHL’s announcement. Thank you for your patience and flexibility during these unprecedented “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and times.” after consulting with medical experts and convening a call of the Board of In a release on behalf of Madison Square Garden, the Rangers said: “We Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will support Governor Cuomo’s decision and, starting tomorrow night, our pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight’s games,” the NHL said New York venues will only host events that adhere to the Governor’s very in a statement released on Thursday afternoon. clear parameters. This is a fluid situation and we will be back with further When, or if, the NHL will be able to resume play is a giant question that, details when available.” of course, cannot be immediately answered.

Also to be asked: How long will the NHL be willing to suspend its season Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.13.2020 in hopes of resuming play? As it is, the Stanley Cup Final typically stretches into the second week of June. Would the NHL be willing to play into July and, if so, would the league then have to push back the start of next season?

For now, NHL teams will not be allowed to practice or meet. Travel for organizational personnel, such as scouts, also has been banned.

The NHL Players Association quickly endorsed the action.

“The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time,” the NHLPA said in a statement. “The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

It follows the NBA’s decision on Wednesday to suspend its season after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus. Gobert’s teammate, Donovan Mitchell, subsequently also tested positive. The NBA has told its teams its season will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days.

Major League Baseball suspended operations for the next four weeks and MLS also announced on Thursday it was suspending its season.

There will be no March Madness, either. The NCAA announced on Thursday afternoon that it was canceling its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments as well as all remaining winter and spring championships.

That came on the same day that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned gatherings of 500 or more people in the state.

Earlier Thursday, the NHL told its teams to cancel their morning skates and media availability sessions for the day.

“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,” the NHL’s statement said. “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. 1180712 Ottawa Senators Playoff revenue plays a huge role for teams in the bottom line because it’s shared among all 31 teams when hockey-related revenue is added up at the end of the season.

Ottawa Senators head home to play waiting game after NHL season is The Senators have a 25-34-12 record with 62 points through 71 games. put on hold They issued a statement Thursday saying the team agreed with the decision by the league to pause the campaign.

Bruce Garrioch “We are fully supportive of the measures taken by the NHL to suspend operations during the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19),” the team said. “The health and safety of our community, fans, players and staff remain our top priority as this situation continues to develop. The only game the Ottawa Senators will play for the time being is the waiting game. “We are in touch with our event partners and taking the advice of public health authorities in regards to our other areas of operations with the The Senators and the NHL season have been put on hold amid highest priority on keeping our community safe. As more information worldwide concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus, and the becomes available, we will continue to communicate with the public possibility now exists the season may be over with a cloud of uncertainty about our operations and how the evolving situation may impact you.” hanging over all 31 NHL teams. Not long after the NHL made its decision, the AHL’s board of governors Coming off a 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night, the held a conference call and elected to pause their season. The Belleville Senators headed home instead of moving onto the Windy City to face the Senators were scheduled to leave Thursday to start a two-game road Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night at the United Center after the trip, with stops in Utica on Friday and Syracuse on Saturday. league’s board of governors decided to suspend play Thursday afternoon. REMAING SENATORS SCHEDULE

The club was scheduled to fly to Chicago Thursday morning, but pushed These are the games that are on hold for Ottawa. The club has seven its flight back a couple of hours to wait for a decision from the league. games on the road and four left at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators headed from Los Angeles to Ottawa and arrived Thursday evening on their Air Canada Jetz charter. Friday, March 13: @ Chicago

Senators owner Eugene Melnyk was among the participants in a 1 p.m. Sunday, March 15: @ St. Louis conference call with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, deputy Wednesday, March 18: vs. Edmonton commissioner Bill Daly and the rest of the league officials. Bettman tabled the pause to the season during the call. Friday, March 20: @ Washington

With the league announcing it will pause the schedule, the Senators Saturday, March 21: @ Carolina aren’t sure what’s going to happen with the final 11 games of the season and there’s a chance they may be scrubbed completely. The club was Tuesday, March 24: vs. Florida supposed to close out this five-game road trip Sunday against the St. Thursday, March 26: @ Boston Louis Blues. Saturday, March 28: vs. Toronto The league stated it intends to finish the regular season and hold playoffs. Tuesday, March 30: @ Tampa

“Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent so Thursday, Apr. 1: @ Florida that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup,” the league said in its statement. Saturday, Apr. 3: vs. Pittsburgh

The Senators played Saturday night in San Jose where health officials Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.13.2020 had already warned the Sharks that they shouldn’t be playing in front of big crowds. If the schedule had continued, the Sharks were being told by the Santa Clara authority that they would have to play three home games this month in empty rinks. The league felt, in the end, it couldn’t afford to put the players and staff at risk.

Naturally, the decision to postpone the season will be a huge hit to the bottom line, but the league wasn’t left with a lot of choice in this matter. The NHL Players’ Association was also consulted and the league followed the lead of the NBA, which postponed its season Wednesday night while Major League Baseball also shut down its spring training and delayed the start of its season.

Many believe this is the right thing to do and that continuing to play would be irresponsible.

The regular season is important to the Senators because they’re not going to make the playoffs and the remaining games on the schedule would be important in deciding draft lottery positioning. Currently holding San Jose’s No. 1 pick (11.5 per cent) and their own (13.5 per cent), the Senators would have a 25 per cent chance of winning the No. 1 overall pick in the annual crapshoot, which is tentatively scheduled to take place April 9 at 8 p.m. at the NHL Network studios in Secaucus, N.J.

The Detroit Red Wings are ranked No. 31 and have an 18.5 per cent chance of winning the lottery while the Senators are sitting at No. 30 and the Sharks are No. 29.

Who knows what’s going to happen? The league may go straight to the playoffs when play does resume, and it’s anybody’s guess what might happen in that case. At this point, there will be no practices taking place during the pause. 1180713 Ottawa Senators When he first heard news about the virus, McLellan said he never would have expected the NHL to suspend the season.

“I wouldn’t have thought that, but I’m like anybody else. I’m watching TV Senators fly home amid the great unknown of what happens next in the and listening to health experts talk about how rapidly this spreads and NHL how it can affect people,” he said. “By the hour, you begin to realize this is real. We’re not fooling around with anything. It’s not the sniffles. As the days have gone on, we, I, have come to understand the complexity of it. No, to begin with, yes, now.” Ken Warren McLellan says it isn’t his place to speculate on what happens next.

“I don’t think that’s a fair question for me to throw out there,” he said. LOS ANGELES — There was an air of inevitability as Ottawa Senators “There are so many people involved in it, and I have one small opinion. players left the Staples Center following Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Los Let’s just get through the next few days and let the league and the health Angeles Kings. people do what they need to do. The bodies, the minds, the health of Nothing was official at that point, but the writing was on the boards, in the everybody is way more important than a game, in my opinion.” dressing room, on their phones, on the TV screens all around them. Absolutely. When the NBA announced the suspension of its season during the warm-up before the Senators-Kings game, the expectation was that the Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.13.2020 NHL would follow suit.

Accordingly, there was a weirdness to the contest that followed. For trivia buffs, it was the last NHL game played before the NHL postponed the season due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Instead of taking their scheduled Thursday charter flight to Chicago for Friday’s game against the Blackhawks, the Senators were, at first, in limbo. And once the NHL’s board of governors made the expected decision to postpone the season, the Senators re-routed themselves, flying back to Ottawa on Thursday afternoon.

In a world full of unknowns in the era of the novel coronavirus, Senators players, coaches, management and staff have no idea when they’ll play or even practise again.

Who knows what’s next?

But when the Kings’ Martin Frk scored the game-winning goal late in the third period against 38-year-old Senators goaltender Craig Anderson, there was the very real possibility that it was the last time Anderson would play in the NHL, perhaps the final piece of a 17-year career in which he has played 648 games.

“I feel good, I feel like there’s another 10 years left,” Anderson said, with a smile. “We can’t worry about the what-ifs and the speculation. It’s not what we’re very good at. We have to stay within our bubble and figure out what we need to do to stay safe and make sure this thing kind of stays out of our room.”

As for the overall health and safety of the general population, Anderson also has reason for concern. He’s the father of two sons and his wife, Nicholle, went through her battle with a rare throat cancer three years ago. They’re currently living in Florida.

“(The children) are on spring break,” said Anderson. “And my wife, with the cancer, so she’s got an immune system that has been compromised, so it’s definitely in the back of our minds as far as what to do and where to go. Hopefully, everyone is able to stay safe and we’re able to clean this up rather quickly.”

That was the general sentiment. Different players have different points to prove at different stages of their careers, but everyone involved understands this crisis. While Jayce Hawryluk has made his mark since joining the Senators off from Florida — he scored against the Kings on Wednesday — in a bid to re-sign with the organization in the summer, he sees the big picture.

“It’s unfortunate, but that’s in the hands of the NHL and the NHL (players association) and they’re going to do what’s best to protect us and the fans,” he said. “You can’t have people coming to the games and contracting the virus and getting sick.”

Over in the Kings dressing room, the mood was similar. The final game began amid the NBA news and the Staples Center was half-empty, lacking in atmosphere and volume.

“The night felt strange,” said Kings coach Todd McLellan. “It didn’t feel like a normal game. The players heard the news before (about the NBA), so it was a little bit unemotional (on the ice). The guys aren’t dumb. They’re aware of it. I could feel it in the warm-up that the energy wasn’t the same — between both teams.” 1180714 Philadelphia Flyers Flyers have gone 45 years without winning a Stanley Cup are too numerous to count, and maybe a global pandemic was just the next one on the list.

The Flyers’ shot at a Stanley Cup is now in jeopardy, thanks to a vile little General manager Chuck Fletcher had helped turn the Flyers into a bug of an opponent legitimate Stanley Cup contender this season.

“We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement Thursday, “and we will by Mike Sielski 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 To understand how we reached the point that the coronavirus could shut prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the down the NHL season — to understand how the story about a virus acted Stanley Cup.” exactly like a virus, changing and mutating and evolving at remarkable That’s the goal. That’s the hope. There’s no telling whether it will be the speed — you have to understand what it was like Tuesday night at the reality. "The collective actions of private industry to suspend events, Wells Fargo Center. implement measures aimed at social distancing, will have meaningful What was it like? It was normal, mostly. It was thousands of Flyers fans impact on epidemiology of spread,” Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former head of the clad in orange and black and a few Boston Bruins fans here and there, all FDA, said Thursday on Twitter. “Business is leading the way on of them strolling the main concourse and taking hellacious bites of mitigation and social distancing, filling a void left by policy makers. But cheesesteaks and sidling up to bars. It was Gritty on parade throughout shutting down NBA games is not enough.” the game, as usual. It was players laughing, after the Bruins’ 2-0 victory, If Gottlieb, who has been one of the most accurate and reliable voices on about having to maintain a six-foot halo of space between themselves the epidemic, is right, shutting down NHL games won’t be enough, either. and the media, about having to answer questions from a dais instead of There’s a long road ahead yet to safety, to the resumption of normalcy, in the locker room, about having to answer questions about the and this vile little bug doesn’t really care about anyone’s championship situation’s severity at all. drought. “I don’t think we really care about coronavirus the way other people do,” Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.13.2020 Flyers goaltender Carter Hart said that night. By 1:30 p.m. Thursday, of course, they were made to care. By then, the NHL’s board of governors had consulted with medical experts and decided to suspend the league’s season. So much for that veneer of invincibility that pro athletes like to keep up. So much for “It’s Philly, bro.”

This is not to pick on Hart or Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who delivered that second memorable aside. But it is to emphasize that we went from normalcy to something close to, and maybe beyond, chaos in a matter of hours. Contrast the scene and atmosphere in the Center for that Flyers-Bruins game to that of the 76ers-Pistons game the following night. There were fewer people. There were more empty seats. More information about the severity of the outbreak had been made available, and more people had taken in that information and acted accordingly. More of them had decided that attending a basketball game wasn’t worth the risk, however great or slight, of exposure to the virus.

The @NHL pauses 2019-20 season. https://t.co/WMePei4clH pic.twitter.com/W5Hqmk3kX7

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2020

But there was, I suspect, another factor at work. Just a theory here, but I would bet there were more people willing to risk going to the Flyers game than to the Sixers game, in part, because there were more people who really wanted to see the Flyers play. The Sixers have been a disappointment this season, arguably the biggest in the NBA, and even the return to the lineup of one of their stars, Joel Embiid, wasn’t enough to pull people out of their season-long frustration over the team, especially given the presence of a public- and personal-health threat.

The Flyers-Bruins game had a different context, different ancillary circumstances. The Bruins entered Tuesday atop the NHL’s standings, the league’s best team, perennially excellent, and the Flyers were rolling. They had won their previous nine games. There was Stanley Cup conversation at the office watercooler (before everyone was told to work from home), and such talk had been missing for the better part of a decade. The Flyers had been a moribund franchise, rebuilding for more than five years, and the optimism that this year’s team generated was a familiar sensation made fresh again. So here was, in that trite phrase, a “measuring-stick game,” and the prospect of the Flyers’ beating Boston, winning their 10th consecutive game, and vaulting over the Washington Capitals and into first place in the was a hell of a tractor beam for their fans.

You can call those people selfish and uninformed if you wish. But most of them aren’t on Twitter all day, getting second-by-second updates on the virus and its rippling effects. They’re living their lives, and human nature is a powerful force. So with even that brief passage of time, less than a day, it was hardly surprising to see the difference between the two settings. Around here, there was more enthusiasm about the Flyers than there was about the Sixers, and now there’s likely to be stronger disappointment over the NHL season’s stoppage. The reasons that the 1180715 Philadelphia Flyers “They can focus on themselves and their families and do their best to stay healthy,” he said.

Fletcher said the players will stay in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area. NHL suspends season amid coronavirus outbreak; this is ‘bigger than “As the experts are saying, it’s probably not an ideal time to be traveling hockey,’ Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher says great distances,” he said. “It’s probably best for everybody to stay home and self-quarantine.”

The NHL followed the lead of the NBA, which suspended its season by Sam Carchidi, Wednesday night.

The NHL pauses the 2019-20 season. pic.twitter.com/bCi776ZFqX

TAMPA, Fla. — After having a night to sleep on it, NHL officials decided — NHL (@NHL) March 12, 2020 to suspend the league’s season Thursday because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Wells Fargo Center was scheduled to host two Flyers games this weekend, but the arena was closed on Thursday morning and underwent In a statement released by the NHL, the league said it made the decision a rigorous cleaning. after consulting with medical experts and having a conference call with the league’s Board of Governors. The NBA postponed its season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus, the highly infectious disease that has The league said that it did not have a timetable for how long it will be shut spread worldwide. Gobert played 35 minutes against Detroit on Saturday. down, but that its goal was to resume “as soon as possible” and that it The Pistons played the Sixers at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday hoped to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup. night.

Teams were asked to find out about the availability of their arenas if the Fletcher said it “remains to be seen” whether the Flyers and those who season stretched into July. work for the organization would be tested for the coronavirus.

While the Flyers’ players and management were disappointed to see Flyers broadcaster Steve Coates said suspending the season was "good their promising season put on hold, they understood the decision. news because if they didn’t handle it this way, it would spread much faster. It’s a preventative.” “This is bigger than hockey, bigger than sports in general,” Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said at the team’s hotel in Tampa. “I The AHL, which includes the Flyers’ top farm team, the Lehigh Valley think the commissioner and the board of governors made the only Phantoms, also suspended its season Thursday until further notice. rational decision they could make at this point and time. Hopefully, it’s just a pause and the situation gets better and we have a chance to come Ticket update back and play some meaningful hockey.” In a statement, a Wells Fargo Center spokesman said all Flyers, Sixers Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher hopes the suspended season is just a "pause" and Wings home games are postponed until further notice, and that all and that games will eventually resume. other scheduled events through March 31 will be rescheduled.

"It’s something I can’t control, and if it’s something I can’t control, I can’t Fans are asked to hold tickets as plans are made to reschedule events. really get upset about it,” right winger Jake Voracek said. “It is what it is. Information will be shared as it becomes available, the spokesman said. I’ll just let other people [in the league] do their job because I don’t really Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.13.2020 know anything about it.”

The NHL said it 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 [Wednesday] night’s news that an NBA player had tested positive for coronavirus — and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some members 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.”

The Flyers (41-21-7) are the NHL’s hottest team, having won nine of their last 10 games to get within one point of first-place Washington (41-20-8) in the Metropolitan Division. Both teams, along with third-place Pittsburgh (40-23-6), have 13 regular-season games remaining.

“I think everybody will handle it differently,” Voracek said of the layoff. “No one knows how it will reflect on teams.”

He mentioned a positive about the layoff from the Flyers’ standpoint.

“Everyone who is injured can heal up,” he said.

The Flyers have three players who are expected to be ready to play in two to four weeks: James van Riemsdyk, Phil Myers, and Nate Thompson.

The regular season had been scheduled to end April 4, but that now seems highly unlikely. The first round of the playoffs was slated to begin April 8, and that date also figures to be pushed back.

If, for some reason, the rest of the regular season was scrapped and the playoffs started on April 8 and were based on the current standings, the Flyers would play Pittsburgh in the first round.

Even though Thursday’s game in Tampa was postponed early in the afternoon, the Flyers planned to stay overnight in Florida and the team was scheduled to head to Philadelphia on Friday morning.

Until further notice, the league will not permit players to practice together during the layoff, Fletcher said. 1180716 Philadelphia Flyers

Wells Fargo Center cancels Billie Eilish, all March events amid coronavirus fears

by Rob Tornoe and Anna Orso,

The Wells Fargo Center has postponed all events scheduled through March 31 later date, as both the NBA and the NHL have suspended their seasons over coronavirus concerns. The venue was closed for cleaning on Thursday.

“We are asking fans to hold their tickets as we determine plans to reschedule events,” a spokesperson for the Wells Fargo Center said in a statement. "We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will share information as it becomes available.”

Thursday night’s Day + Shay concert has been rescheduled to Sept. 28. Friday night’s concert featuring Grammy Award-winning singer Billie Eilish has yet to be rescheduled.

The announcement comes as Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration has banned all events in Philadelphia with 1,000 or more attendees.

NBC Sports Philadelphia employees, whose office is inside the Wells Fargo Center, were notified early Thursday morning that building would be closed for a deep cleaning and that they should not report to the facility, according to a memo obtained by the Inquirer.

“I got word today that the Wells Fargo Center is closed today for cleaning. So don’t come in, basically,” 97.5 The Fanatic host Marc Farzetta, who is also a multi-platform host on NBC Sports Philadelphia, said on his show Thursday morning.

The cleaning was done out of an abundance of caution after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus Wednesday. The Jazz played the Detroit Pistons on March 7, and the Sixers played the Pistons Wednesday night.

Philadelphia city officials earlier this week asked residents to avoid large gatherings to tame the spread of the new coronavirus. But events remained scheduled at the Wells Fargo Center, which was set to, over the course of a week, host four Flyers games, three Sixers games, a professional lacrosse game, and two concerts, including the now- postponed Dan + Shay and Billie Eilish shows.

All of Billie Eilish tour dates have been postponed until further notice, starting with the teen star’s Wells Fargo Center show.

“I’m so sad to do this but we need to postpone these dates to keep everyone safe,” Eilish said in a statement. "We’ll let you know when they can be rescheduled. please keep yourselves healthy. I love you.”

Announced attendance at Wednesday night’s Sixers game was 20,172, and Tuesday’s Flyers game drew a crowd of nearly 20,000 people.

But the calculus changed late Wednesday night, when the NBA announced it had canceled the remainder of its season after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the virus. The NHL made a similar announcement on Thursday.

“This is bigger than hockey, bigger than sports in general,” Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said at the team’s hotel in Tampa. “I think the commissioner and the board of governors made the only rational decision they could make at this point and time. Hopefully, it’s just a pause and the situation gets better and we have a chance to come back and play some meaningful hockey.”

Public health administrators and organizations across the country are facing pressure to limit gatherings in a process called “social distancing,” which experts say can delay and slow the spread of infectious disease.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180717 Philadelphia Flyers Man, Jimmy Butler is just unloading on Brett Brown on this J.J. Redick podcast. Redick says he liked Brown and had a good relationship with him, then acknowledges that Jimmy's relationship wasn't the same.

How NBA, NHL, NCAA, MLB should resume from coronavirus hiatus | Butler: "Sure wasn't." Marcus Hayes — David Murphy (@ByDavidMurphy) March 11, 2020

NHL: Same as the NBA. Freeze the standings. Resume the season in 3- by Marcus Hayes 4 weeks with the Stanley Cup playoffs. Again, scurrying to finish the season would run too long, and resuming and playing four or five regular- season games to ramp up to playoffs would be a strength-of-schedule nightmare. Mandate that players report to rinks to retain conditioning. If This, too, shall pass. the playoffs began today, the Flyers, as a No. 4 seed, would play their The coronavirus will not end the world. It will recede. If it does so in a arch-rival Penguins, No. 5, and hold home-ice advantage. This normally timely fashion, then we should be ready to adapt to whatever form would be a gigantic advantage for the Flyers, who lead the NHL with 25 normalcy takes. home wins, but playing in an empty barn probably would negate any benefit. Admit no fans for another month. Utah Jazz players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and Thursday, after which waves of Major League Baseball: Resume spring training on April 2, for a week. postponements, cancellations, and suspended schedules crashed in — Begin the season April 9. Starting pitchers won’t be stretched out, and all shamefully, sadly later than they should have come. relievers won’t be ready for bounce-back appearances, so play the first month with 30-man rosters. Delay the new three-batter minimum rule for But come, they did, except for a few high school and college one month, when rosters shrink back to the new, expanded, 26-man limit. competitions — basketball got canceled, and the NCAA wrestling Admit no fans for another month. championships followed suit. NCAA, high school, and youth sports: Done. See you next semester ... Winter sports should freeze the standings and cease for three weeks, except for the big basketball tournament, which generates more than have every player and coach tested, then resume with their playoffs with $700 million each year. Treat the players like the pros, since, wink wink, no fans present for another month. Comcast Spectacor announced that’s what we know they are. Select the tournament teams this weekend Thursday afternoon that its Wells Fargo Center, where the 76ers and — both men’s and women’s, because of gender equity, and because the Flyers play, will be closed at least through March. Baseball should shut women’s tournament rocks. Keep the athletes on campus, practicing, down until April 2, then start the regular season April 9, no fans until May. conditioning, preparing. Resume play in three weeks at the previously March Madness, canceled Thursday afternoon, should be delayed just as chosen tournament sites, optimally with no fans in attendance. long and should resume, but with no fans. The NCAA could still do this. Disclaimer, and sermon NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships: https://t.co/qzKAS4McEI pic.twitter.com/G6XreZx35E Granted, these are imperfect solutions, but these are uncharted waters, and the severity and lethality of the novel contagion should not continue — NCAA (@NCAA) March 12, 2020 to be dismissed, as often has been done by President Trump and his sympathizers. The coronavirus isn’t a cold, and it isn’t the flu. To suggest During Bloody Thursday, most sporting events were canceled or that it is like either is ignorance multiplied by malpractice magnified by postponed. It should be all, everywhere: College. High school. Middle political agenda. school. Club. This is close to what happened with spring sports, exactly 10 minutes after this column posted Thursday afternoon, in the Central No, the coronavirus is as much as 10- to 35-times deadlier and, generally Bucks School District, where they were suspended. At about the same speaking, much harsher in the victims it lays low. It can scar your lungs, time, Montgomery County schools and gyms temporarily closed. damage your liver, sicken your guts, and it can last a long time. And that’s just what we’ve learned in the past three months. These suspensions are half measures. End the sports now. Pick them up next year. Following the lead of the Ivy League, college basketball There is no argument to be made. Just shut it down. Everything. There conference tournaments petered out Thursday. Take it a step further, like doesn’t need to be a champion of anything; not at the cost of even one the Ivies: All schools at all levels should cancel all spring sports. Once life. again, intelligence begins in the Ancient Eight. Yes, kids seem to emerge from this illness with limited effects, and yes, This doesn’t mean the lucrative men’s and women’s basketball Division I kids love to play sports, but you know what else kids love? NCAA Tournaments need to die; more on that later. Grandma and Grandpa. We need a framework for resumption of athletic leagues and sporting life when the coronavirus interruptions recede, assuming they recede within Grams and Gramps don’t do nearly as well. the next month. Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.13.2020 The Plan, detailed

Every player, coach, and club personnel must pass a COVID-19 test.

When play resumes, no player, coach, or club personnel should be forced to work. This, regardless of the level of play, and regardless of the players’ importance or irrelevance; the bench warmer shouldn’t have to suit up just because the star wants to. Period. People should not be compelled to risk their lives in their workplace, and sports workplaces are nasty by nature.

NBA: Freeze the standings. Resume the season in 3-4 weeks with the playoffs; admit no fans for at least another month. Scurrying to finish the season would run too long. Teams might return with time left in the regular season — the 76ers’ final game is April 15 — but resuming play for four or five games would be a strength-of-schedule nightmare. Mandate that players report to workout facilities to retain conditioning. If the playoffs started today, the No. 6 seed 76ers would face the No. 3 seed Boston Celtics. That would be a rematch of the 2018 second-round series that exposed the shortcomings of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and coach Brett Brown. It also cemented the folly of trading up to draft Markelle Fultz over Jayson Tatum, who used the series to announce his stardom to the NBA. Sigh. Good times. 1180718 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers await NHL’s decision on season, scheduled to play in Tampa on Thursday

by Sam Carchidi,

TAMPA — To suspend the season, or play games without fans in attendance.

One of those decisions is expected to be made Thursday afternoon by the NHL as it figures out what to do because of the coronavirus breakout.

“We’re told we should know at 1,” Flyers center Kevin Hayes said as he walked through the hotel lobby in Tampa.

The NHL canceled all teams’ morning skates and meetings Thursday because of the uncertainty involving the situation. The Wells Fargo Center, meanwhile, got an extensive scrub-down on Thursday.

The Flyers, the NHL’s hottest team, have won nine of their last 10 games and are scheduled to play in Tampa on Thursday night. The Flyers are in second place in the Metropolitan Division, a point behind Washington.

In a poll on Twitter, I asked fans if the NHL should suspend its season. With around 4,400 people responding by 11 a.m. Thursday, 56% said no.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180719 Philadelphia Flyers And finally, Major League Baseball interrupted spring training games and waved the white flag on the rest of the Grapefruit League. Then they announced a two-week delay to the start of the regular season.

We interrupt the games to bring you germ warfare Even far-away football didn't escape the virus' tidal wave, as some NFL teams, including the Eagles, pulled their scouts and other front office and coaching personnel off the road and off the job, and the league cancelled its spring meetings. By Rob Parent The coronavirus fallout hasn't spared anyone, even in the amateur ranks.

As the pro leagues were pulling the plug, the Big East Conference flat- There are no schools open to go to school to. There are no arenas open out cancelled its championship basketball tournament at Madison Square to take in a hockey or basketball game. There will be no rock concerts Garden. Other NCAA Division I conference tournaments followed suit ... with which to party through, no political rallies with which to eschew, no and really, how stable can the NCAA Tournament be now? Will the fans Broadway shows to review. and the gamblers welcome it in the dead of summer? This is life with a pandemic panic. Get used to it. Oh wait ... as of this writing, the NCAA just canceled its men's and From Wednesday afternoon through Thursday night, this new life was women's championship tournaments. March Madness hasn't really gone unfortunately lived to the fullest in the sports and entertainment fields. away, it's just taken on a different context. Among other more serious threats, it has the potential to almost If this isn't chaos, what is? completely usurp us of the ability to have fun. Well, there is the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, which Coronavirus is the only winner for the foreseeable future. It wars on our postponed some ongoing winter sports tournaments for a minimum of games. two weeks and ended others, and the Ivy League simply canceled "In light of recent announcements made today," a statement under the everything in sight, while smaller colleges throughout the area had Wells Fargo Center corporate communications banner read late altogether slashed spring sports. Thursday afternoon, "all Philadelphia Flyers, 76ers and Wings games Don't fear, weekend TV warriors ... you'll always have NASCAR to revel scheduled for the Wells Fargo Center are postponed until further notice. in. They might be racin' around on tracks in front of empty stands but All other events scheduled through March 31 will be rescheduled. indeed, their show will go on. "We recognize that fans and event-goers will have questions regarding Anyway, the Sixers were in pending blowout victory mode at home their ticket purchases. We are asking fans to hold their tickets as we Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons when word started filtering determine plans to reschedule events. We thank our fans for their down about the season being suspended. Oddly, owner Josh Harris patience and understanding during this time. We will continue to closely wasn't at the game. It would take until Thursday afternoon before an monitor the situation and will share information as it becomes available.” ownership reaction was sent out. The NBA temporarily postponed its season Wednesday evening after “In this time of need, we need to band together and take care of people,” Utah Jazz jokester Rudy Gobert went from acting like he was infecting Harris stated. “Our teams, our cities and the leagues in which we operate reporters' microphones by touching all of them after the Jazz game are a family, and we are committed to looking out for one another.” Monday night to actually testing positive for COVID-19 Wednesday. That quickly helped move the NBA to suspend its season, and set off a series Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was at his team's home game of aftershocks in the sports world Thursday which grew into an all-events Wednesday night when he was slipped a note about the NBA's decision slaughter. by his communications chief, Scott Tomlin.

The NHL took its usual cue from its NBA big brothers and suspended its "This is crazy. This can't be true," Cuban said to ESPN's Tom Rinaldi season until further notice Thursday. shortly thereafter. "I mean, it's not within the realm of possibility. It seemed more like out of a movie than reality." “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments It's as real as any Shark Tank episode, and it will get even more real in without taking premature or unnecessary measures,” league the coming days, weeks, months and...? commissioner Gary Bettman said via a press release. “However, following last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for How about a nice game of chess? coronavirus – and given that our leagues share so many facilities and Delaware County Times LOADED: 03.13.2020 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.”

In case you were wondering, a Flyers spokesperson had to pass along the news that the club wasn't only traveling home from Tampa Thursday, it was doing so under a curtain of silence. No player, coach and certainly no GM Chuck Fletcher insights for publication.

And so ... what now? The questions remain essentially unanswered.

At least the Wells Fargo Center staff were using their time wisely on Thursday. While the sports world was falling apart around them, WFC's operations department closed the building for what it called a one-day "extensive cleaning and sanitation."

Thank you. And while you're at it, I think those elevators need a once- over, too.

Major League Soccer also threw up a red light on its season, just ahead of Saturday's scheduled home opener for the Union. 1180720 Philadelphia Flyers regular season later that night in wake of the news that Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus.

The Flyers, who are in second place of the Metropolitan Division and one Coronavirus concerns force NHL to suspend 2019-20 regular season point behind the first-place Capitals with 13 games to play, were set to wrap up the regular season April 4 against the Sabres in Buffalo. They entered Thursday with a 99.4 percent chance to make the playoffs, 28.8 percent chance to win the Metro and projected to finish with 104 to 105 By Jordan Hall March 12, 2020 1:40 PM points, according to Hockey-Reference.com. The Flyers haven't finished with 100-plus points since 2011-12, when the club last won a postseason series. Following consultation Wednesday night and Thursday morning, the NHL has decided to suspend its 2019-20 regular season indefinitely amid the Along with the NHL, the AHL has also suspended its 2019-20 season. rising concerns of the coronavirus outbreak. American Hockey League suspends play. The league hopes to eventually finish the regular season and hold the Details: https://t.co/EmR4AmMRdn pic.twitter.com/3nZu2fA2Kh Stanley Cup Playoffs. — AHL (@TheAHL) March 12, 2020 NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released the following statement Thursday afternoon: Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.13.2020 “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.”

The Stanley Cup Playoffs were originally scheduled to begin April 8.

On Thursday, the NHL players' association released the following statement:

The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time. pic.twitter.com/ApudNZvurS

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) March 12, 2020

On Wednesday night, the NBA stunned the sports world by abruptly putting a halt to its regular season.

The Flyers traveled to Tampa Bay, Florida, Wednesday afternoon and were scheduled to play the Lightning Thursday night. The Flyers are expected to fly home Friday.

The Wells Fargo Center had a big weekend ahead with back-to-back Flyers games — Saturday against the Wild and Sunday vs. the Oilers. On Thursday, the arena closed for cleaning.

Comcast Spectacor released the following statement Thursday regarding events at the Wells Fargo Center:

“In light of recent announcements made today, all Philadelphia Flyers, 76ers and Wings games scheduled for the Wells Fargo Center are postponed until further notice. All other events scheduled through March 31 will be rescheduled.

"We recognize that fans and event-goers will have questions regarding their ticket purchases. We are asking fans to hold their tickets as we determine plans to reschedule events. We thank our fans for their patience and understanding during this time. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will share information as it becomes available.”

On Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Center, the Flyers hosted the Bruins. The official listed attendance was 19,689. Prior to puck drop, the Flyers released a statement about the game being played as scheduled. On Wednesday, the Sixers hosted the Pistons before the NBA suspended its 1180721 Philadelphia Flyers

Wells Fargo Center closed for cleaning, all March events postponed

By NBC Sports Philadelphia Staff March 12, 2020 9:42 AM

Wells Fargo Center, home of the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers, closed for cleaning on Thursday after an NBA player tested positive for coronavirus.

Additionally, all events scheduled at the Wells Fargo Center through March 31 have been either postponed or rescheduled. This includes all Flyers, Sixers and Wings games, as well as other events. This announcement came after the NHL, NBA and NLL all suspended their seasons.

Comcast Spectacor released the following statement on Thursday afternoon:

In light of recent announcements made today, all Philadelphia Flyers, 76ers, and Wings games scheduled for the Wells Fargo Center are postponed until further notice. All other events scheduled through March 31 will be rescheduled.

“We recognize that fans and event-goers will have questions regarding their ticket purchases. We are asking fans to hold their tickets as we determine plans to reschedule events. We thank our fans for their patience and understanding during this time. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will share information as it becomes available.

The first NBA player who tested positive for coronavirus, later identified by multiple reports as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, forcing the NBA to suspend its season.

Gobert and his teammates were in Oklahoma City on Wednesday for Utah's game against the Thunder. The Jazz played the Pistons in Detroit on Saturday. The Pistons were in Philadelphia for a game Wednesday against the Sixers, a connection that prompted the closure of Wells Fargo Center. Teams that played against Utah in the past 10 days have been asked to self-quarantine, according to ESPN.

The closure and cleaning of the facility on Thursday was out of an abundance of caution. The Sixers suspended their basketball operations minutes after their game against Detroit on Wednesday, despite the league reportedly telling teams that they are still allowed to practice.

The NHL suspended its season on Thursday. The Flyers were on the road with a scheduled game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday evening and their next home game had been scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.

Coronavirus in sports: Full, updated list of cancellations, suspensions

Country artists Dan + Shay were scheduled to perform at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday evening. That show and others will be rescheduled.

In an earlier statement on Thursday, Comcast Spectator explained its decision to close the Wells Fargo Center for cleaning:

“The health and safety of our employees and guests is our highest priority. We will continue to closely monitor the coronavirus situation and will share information as it becomes available.”

Wells Fargo Center is the home of NBC Sports Philadelphia's offices and studios.

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NHL suspends its season amid coronavirus concerns, hopes to return

Dave Isaac, NHL Writer Published 1:37 p.m. ET March 12, 2020 | Updated 5:36 p.m. ET March 12, 2020

A Flyers fan wears a mask during the first period during Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Boston Bruins at Wells Fargo Center.

The Flyers were on the right track and heading toward earning a home- ice advantage in the playoffs, a second season set to begin April 9.

That won’t be the case anymore.

Thursday the NHL announced it has suspended its season, just as the NBA did a night before when a member of the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus. The disease also known as COVID-19 has affected the entire world and caused many cancelations around the world of sports.

While there is hope that the season can be resumed at some point, there is no deadline to do that just yet.

“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,” commissioner Gary Bettman said in a press release. “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.”

The NHL Players’ Association weighed in as well, calling the decision “an appropriate course of action at this time.”

“The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter,” a statement read. “The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

Thursday, Wells Fargo Center closed its doors for “an extensive cleaning and sanitization.”

A concert by artists Dan + Shay, set for Thursday night, will be rescheduled, the press release said, and “tickets will be honored for a later date or will be refunded at the point of purchase.”

Comcast Spectacor, which owns the Flyers and the building, has not yet released information about ticket refunds for the remaining NHL regular season games. They did say that all events that were scheduled at the arena through March 31 will be postponed.

“We recognize that fans and event-goers will have questions regarding their ticket purchases,” the company said in a statement. “We are asking fans to hold their tickets as we determine plans to reschedule events. We thank our fans for their patience and understanding during this time. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will share information as it becomes available.”

The Flyers had six remaining regular season home games, including matinees on Saturday, against the Minnesota Wild, and Sunday, against the Edmonton Oilers.

The Flyers flew to Tampa, Florida after practicing Wednesday in Voorhees. They will head back to Philadelphia without playing against the Tampa Bay Lightning, as they had been scheduled to do Thursday night.

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Wells Fargo Center closed for 'extensive cleaning and sanitization'

Dave Isaac, NHL Writer Published 10:28 a.m. ET March 12, 2020 | Updated 3:58 p.m. ET March 12, 2020

The NBA suspended its season and the NHL followed suit Thursday.

Wells Fargo Center, home of the Flyers and 76ers, is closing its doors as well as the COVID-19 coronavirus has the world on edge.

Comcast Spectacor, which owns the building, released a statement Thursday saying, “In light of the ongoing coronavirus situation and out of an abundance of caution, the Wells Fargo Center’s facilities are undergoing an extensive cleaning and sanitization on Thursday, March 12. To facilitate this, non-essential Wells Fargo Center employees are working from home today.”

All events at the building, including the Dan + Shay concert that was scheduled for Thursday, have been postponed.

Specific to the Dan + Shay concert, “tickets will be honored for a later date or will be refunded at the point of purchase.”

As for other events, the policy is not yet clear.

“We recognize that fans and event-goers will have questions regarding their ticket purchases,” Comcast Spectacor write in a press release. “We are asking fans to hold their tickets as we determine plans to reschedule events. We thank our fans for their patience and understanding during this time. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will share information as it becomes available.”

The stadium was last used Wednesday night, when the Sixers beat the Detroit Pistons 124-106. According to the NBA’s game sheet, it was a sellout crowd of 20,172 in attendance. City officials in Philadelphia recommended on Tuesday that residents not attend public gatherings of more than 5,000 people.

Tuesday night’s Flyers game was their sixth-most attended home game this season with 19,689 fans in the building according to the game sheet.

“I haven’t thought about it a ton, but if something happens, they’ll let us know,” Flyers defenseman Matt Niskanen said after Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to the Boston Bruins. “I’m not an expert so I’ll wait till someone tells me what to do.”

The sports world had a busy 24 hours of cancelations and/or declarations that games would not be played in front of fans.

One of the first shoes to drop came Wednesday when the NCAA announced that its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments would be played without fans in attendance, only “essential staff and limited family attendance.”

Within hours, the NBA followed suit after a player on the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19. Reportedly, one of his teammates tested positive Thursday. Other leagues and collegiate conferences have suspended or canceled tournaments as well.

Courier-Post LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180724 Philadelphia Flyers model had actually deemed the Flyers an unlikely Stanley Cup favorite. An end to the team’s long title drought — for the most optimistic of fans — seemed possible.

Season postponement gives Flyers and fans another reminder of what Now, while it remains possible that the season and playoffs could pick matters most back up at a later date, and the Flyers could get a chance to make a run, it’s far from a guarantee. No one knows how long it might take for the pandemic to subside. And for fans who were emotionally invested in the team’s success — the vast majority of our readers likely fit in that bucket By Charlie O'Connor Mar 12, 2020 — the possibility of this season having no true resolution understandably comes as a major disappointment, even if one acknowledges it’s a necessity. Those feelings aren’t invalid just because of the correct Over a 24-hour period starting on Dec. 10, the Philadelphia Flyers decision to suspend play. received a stark reminder of what really matters. Oskar Lindblom’s Ewing’s sarcoma diagnosis reminded all of us — despite the way hockey Purely from a hockey standpoint, however, it’s worth maintaining consumes the lives of players, coaches and diehard fans alike — there perspective about the state of the Flyers. are moments that eclipse the sport. Part of the reason this season had become so fun for fans was because Just three months later, another example — this time on a societal scale it was so unexpected. The Flyers weren’t supposed to be this good — at — has shaken the hockey world and the world at large. least not yet. Unlike, for example, the Tampa Bay Lightning — who justifiably approached last month’s trade deadline with maximum urgency With the COVID-19 virus rapidly spreading throughout North America, at least in part because they knew their championship window could the NHL took the unprecedented step Thursday of suspending its season close soon — the Flyers’ Cup window is just opening. until further notice. Commissioner Gary Bettman left open the possibility of the season — and with it, the playoffs — resuming at a later date, but They have a 21-year-old goalie who has played like one of the best No. made no guarantees. For now, the hockey world is officially at a stand- 1s in hockey this season. A 23-year-old No. 1 defenseman on a still. reasonable contract who has taken a massive step forward this campaign. A 23-year-old breakout forward on another bargain contract. A Let’s get it out of the way right now: The NHL had little choice but to hit potentially dominant second pair comprised of two defensemen younger the pause button, at a minimum. than 25, both under team control for years to come. Tons of young depth pieces, with the big club and in the pipeline, that possess the potential to News of Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert testing positive for the play top-of-the-lineup roles in the not-so-distant future. Oh, and a high- coronavirus sent shockwaves through the sports landscape and beyond end veteran core that has shown few signs of succumbing to age and on Wednesday night. It made one thing clear to the NBA, which rapid decline. suspended its own season shortly thereafter: The concerning public health situation made the competitive integrity of the league untenable. MoneyPuck model aside, the Flyers were never the favorite to win it all this year. They were never supposed to be. That status was reserved for Sure, the initial half-measure of sports teams playing in empty stadiums clubs that spent years fortifying their already strong rosters to earn the could have allowed seasons to continue in adjusted fashion. But as designation. players are diagnosed with the virus, the equation changes entirely. Imagine trying to continue a season with multiple teams quarantined. It’s a bummer the NHL has been forced to pause the season. It’s a Imagine a playoff series being decided because one team had to forfeit bummer there’s a chance the Flyers may not have the opportunity to midway through, after being stricken by the virus. embark on a dark-horse title run. And it’s a bummer that meaningful hockey won’t be played for at least a little while, and maybe longer. And that’s viewing the situation solely through the lens of sports logistics. At its core, this is a public safety issue, and an incredibly serious one at But today’s news doesn’t change the fact that the Flyers have an that. incredibly bright future. Right now, the focus rightfully needs to turn toward making sure that as many people as possible have a chance to Healthy people under the age of 60 aren’t likely to face life-threatening enjoy it. symptoms upon contracting the virus, which has led some to call precautions such as the NHL’s decision an overreaction. But not The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 everyone belongs to that demographic, of course. Containing the spread of the virus is essential to protecting “at-risk” populations and ensuring that hospitals aren’t overrun with sick patients.

That means quarantines of anyone who tests positive. That means limiting large gatherings of people. And yes, that means canceling sports, at least temporarily.

And who are the “at-risk” members of the population? The elderly. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes. And immunosuppressed people who are fighting other diseases that make their bodies especially susceptible to viruses.

In other words, people like Lindblom, who is still in the thick of his battle with Ewing’s sarcoma. Anyone who tweeted the #OskarStrong hashtag, anyone who bought a Biscuit Tees shirt to support him, and anyone who expressed the sentiment that his diagnosis far exceeded the importance of hockey should remember that he stands as a example of those most in danger from the coronavirus.

If the rest of the 2019-20 season truly was “for Oskar,” as players and fans said it was, then there is only one acceptable response to this situation: Do everything possible to ensure the health and safety of Lindblom, and anyone like him.

That doesn’t mean, of course, that Flyers fans aren’t going to be disappointed — or crushed, even — with the season’s suspension.

Fans waited nearly a decade for a season like this — a year when the Flyers established themselves as an emerging powerhouse with the headwinds blowing in their favor, and a championship seeming at least theoretically possible, not just a pipe dream. As diehards excitedly pointed out over the past few weeks, the MoneyPuck.com’s statistical 1180725 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins’ minor league affiliates halt play

SETH RORABAUGH | Friday, March 13, 2020 12:16 a.m.

Like virtually every sports team and league in North America, the Penguins’ minor league affiliates have halted play as a precaution against coronavirus.

After the American Hockey League (AHL) announced it was suspending play indefinitely, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins issued a statement:

With the health and safety of players, officials, staff and fans of primary importance, the American Hockey League has announced the suspension of play until further notice, effective immediately, due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘The AHL will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on the 2019-20 season at the appropriate time.

”The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are fully supportive of the AHL’s decision to suspend play amidst the situation surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. Furthermore, we are following the lead of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and will be suspending all activities at the Penguins’ front office and practice facility, the Toyota SportsPlex. The Toyota SportsPlex will be closed until at least Monday. The team will reassess the situation at that time.”

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has 13 games remaining on its schedule.

The ECHL, which the Wheeling Nailers are members of, issued a statement Thursday evening:

“As the on-going developments regarding COVID-19 in North America continue and precautionary measures ensue to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the ECHL has suspended the 2019-20 Season for the safety of our Fans, Players and Employees.

“The ECHL and its Member Teams continue to work with national and local health officials and local governance to monitor the situation. In the interim, we encourage those in the ECHL community to take precautions and stay safe during this time.”

The Nailers have 14 games remaining on their schedule.

Tribune Review LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180726 Pittsburgh Penguins Even though everyone else was canceling everything, the Pirates played the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday afternoon before an announced crowd of 5,275 at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Fla. Finally, MLB suspended spring training games and delayed the start of the season by Kevin Gorman: Shutdown of the sports world showed us that leaders are “at least two weeks.” not to be trusted That was the least it could do.

During the telecast, AT&T Sportsnet aired an interview in which Pirates KEVIN GORMAN | Thursday, March 12, 2020 7:14 p.m. pitcher Chris Archer voiced his concerns about continuing to take risks by playing before crowds even after coronavirus cases were confirmed in

Manatee County. In a surreal span of 24 hours, the sports world shut down and sent a “The last thing we want to do is have one of the players get affected and mighty message about the power of a global pandemic. then come into contact with somebody else,” Archer said. “It’s just The games mustn’t go on. suspended right now. Hopefully, they can continue because sports mean a lot to everybody, not just the players but to the fans and everybody.” All that talk about concerns over the coronavirus couldn’t convince officials, from preps to the pros, to stop playing the games. They debated Yes, sports are a billion-dollar industry that line the pockets of everyone the risk versus the reward and chose to keep playing in front of the involved — including myself, who writes and talks about games for a paying public. living — but they don’t mean so much that we should be risking our health amid a pandemic. Credit Mt. Lebanon High School for following the advice of the Allegheny County Health Department and refusing to play its boys basketball state If nothing else, we should have learned not to trust the people who have playoff game against Cheltenham, a move that essentially forced the the honor of making the right decisions. Most proved unwilling to make PIAA to put students first and postpone all winter sports championships. them until their hands are forced.

When Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus Pirates pitcher Steven Brault was in the broadcast booth when the Archer covid-19 and a team doctor alerted officials just before tipoff against the interview aired, and the self-described goofball left-hander sounded like Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, the NBA suspended its the voice of reason. season. Suddenly, everyone started to realize just how serious this has “You don’t want to stop baseball. We don’t want to stop playing baseball. become. We don’t want to be held up. But, at the same time, it’s just baseball,” Still, the games went on. Brault said. “The truth is, it’s not worth getting people sick. It’s not worth bringing thousands and thousands of people together and putting them in When Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg suffered through an illness on the a situation where it’s much more likely that they’ll get it. bench in the Big Ten Tournament — and Huskers assistant coach Armon Gates nervously rubbed his hands with sanitizer while seated next to “Sometimes, life is more important than baseball. You have to put that in Hoiberg — we started to panic. (Hoiberg, who has a history of heart perspective. It is just a game, just a sport. If it has to be pushed back, it problems, was found to have the flu). has to be pushed back, and we’ll start playing again when we can.”

Yet the games continued. That’s true of all sports. The games needn’t go on. Not now.

Credit the Ivy League for canceling its conference tournament before it We need to be better prepared than leaders of the sports world showed, began, showing its smarts by taking the safest route. But the ACC where they were just really hoping they would be lucky that nothing tourney continued, as Pitt played two games. So did the Big East, which would happen. had to interrupt the Creighton-St. John’s quarterfinal game at halftime Tribune Review LOADED: 03.13.2020 before canceling its tourney.

Eventually, all of the Power 5 conferences called off games. But it took the withdrawal of blue bloods Duke and Kansas for the NCAA to cancel its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

That brings a whole new meaning to March Madness.

Tennessee coach Rick Barnes credited SEC commissioner Greg Sankey for doing “the absolute right thing,” given his players had no voice in the decision.

“We were counting on the people above us to make the right decision for the student-athletes, and I told our team that,” Barnes told ESPN. “We would honor them, trust them and there’s no question he made the right decision. …

“The fact is, if we had gone out to play today, we’d be really hoping that we were lucky that nothing would happen.”

Apparently, so was the NHL and MLB.

The Columbus Blue Jackets were willing to ignore Ohio governor Mike DeWine’s advisory not to play before large crowds for their scheduled game Thursday night against the Penguins until DeWine announced it was an order. Even then, the teams were willing to play in an empty arena.

Noting the league shares “so many facilities and locker rooms” with NBA teams, the NHL finally pressed “pause” on its season Thursday afternoon but reminded us its 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.”

Thank goodness for the NHL’s prudence.

What was it waiting for, Sidney Crosby to test positive? 1180727 Pittsburgh Penguins Soon after the league made its announcement, the players’ union, likewise, released a statement.

“The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the covid-19 pandemic NHL suspends season over coronavirus concerns is an appropriate course of action at this time,” the NHLPA statement read. “The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The CHRIS ADAMSKI | Thursday, March 12, 2020 1:57 p.m. players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The NHL paused its regular season because of The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. is an appropriate course of action at this time. pic.twitter.com/ApudNZvurS Via a statement released by the league early Thursday afternoon after a teleconference among league owners and commissioner Gary Bettman, — NHLPA (@NHLPA) March 12, 2020 the league cited the NBA suspension of its season after at least one its In addition to the NBA, the NHL joins various U.S. college conferences in players tested positive for covid-19. stopping play of its spring sports. MLB suspended its spring training soon “(G)iven that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it after the NHL made its announcement. now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test The ’ spring training game against the Toronto Blue positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to Jays at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Fla., was played as scheduled before play games at this time,” the statement read, in part. the remainder of the spring games were canceled. The league indicated it intends to resume its 2019-20 season at some Following the NHL’s lead, the American Hockey League suspended play point and award the Stanley Cup. indefinitely. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins were scheduled to face “Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent,” the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Friday in Allentown. read the statement, which was released via league’s verified Twitter The Penguins had lost eight of their past 11 games to fall into third place account and on the NHL’s website. in the Metropolitan Division with 13 scheduled games remaining in the The @NHL pauses 2019-20 season. https://t.co/WMePei4clH regular season. pic.twitter.com/W5Hqmk3kX7 While no plans have been made, it is possible the NHL will resume by — NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2020 immediately beginning the playoffs. The NHL reportedly asked its teams about their arena availability into July should the season get pushed back The full statement reads: “In light of ongoing developments resulting from a month or more. the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League The Penguins were staying in a downtown Columbus hotel room while is announcing today that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with they awaited word of the NHL’s plans. Earlier in the day, the league tonight’s games. instructed teams to not hold team meetings or skates.

“The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts The most recent disruption in the regular NHL schedule was fall 2012 and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments when a lockout delayed the beginning of the season until January 2013, without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following and a 48-game schedule was played. last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus In 1919, the Stanley Cup Final between the Montreal Canadiens and — and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms Seattle Metropolitans was canceled after five games because of what and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would became known colloquially as the Spanish flu. test positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time. Tribune Review LOADED: 03.13.2020 “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 Pittsburgh Penguins were scheduled to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday at Nationwide Arena but returned home after the NHL made it’s announcement.

A statement on the suspension was issued by the the Penguins.

“These are unprecedented times. As you know, the National Hockey League today announced that it would pause the regular season until further notice because of the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19. This follows similar decisions by the NBA and other sports leagues.

“We will remain in contact with the NHL during this period and pass on information to you as it becomes available. We will post all updates on our social media accounts and at www.pittsburghpenguins.com.

“We look forward to seeing you again when the excitement of Penguins hockey returns to PPG Paints Arena. We truly appreciate your support.

“Thank you for your understanding. Be safe.”

A statement regarding the pause of the 2019.20 NHL season: pic.twitter.com/pDF32vbU5r

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 12, 2020 1180728 Pittsburgh Penguins

Minor league report: Riley Barber leads Penguins past Phantoms

SETH RORABAUGH | Thursday, March 12, 2020 9:04 a.m.

An overtime goal by forward Riley Barber, a native of Washington, Pa., gave the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins a 2-1 road win against the rival Lehigh Valley Phantoms at the PPL Center in Allentown on Wednesday.

Goaltender Dustin Tokarski made 24 saves for the Penguins (29-26-3-5) while forward Kevin Roy also scored a goal.

Highlights:

The Penguins’ next game is on the road again versus the Phantoms on Friday, 7:05 p.m.

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Tim Benz, Seth Rorabaugh break down Penguins issues, impact of coronavirus on NHL

TIM BENZ | Thursday, March 12, 2020 6:35 a.m.

Full disclosure.

TribLive Penguins beat writer Seth Rorabaugh and I taped this podcast before the NBA announcement to suspend its season upon the realization that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had the coronavirus.

And by the time you listen to this, 50 more things may change with the NHL and its plans to continue its season with — or without — fans in the stands.

Or continue it at all.

Ironically, about an hour before the NBA suspended its season, I was told by someone with knowledge of the situation that the NHL was considering doing the same thing. Apparently, it was an option that was very much on the table.

Again, this is before the NBA went down this path. My guess is that they will be even more inclined to do so now.

Seth and I get in depth about how the coronavirus scare is impacting the NHL, not only from a league perspective, but from how the media is being told how to cover teams.

As far as on-ice play goes, Seth and I discuss all the woes of Kris Letang and how Mike Sullivan should handle his erratic play.

We also investigate goaltending, the notion that the Penguins play better when some of their star players are hurt, and what the win over the New Jersey Devils may mean moving forward.

If the Penguins do play Thursday night, it’ll be in Columbus against the Blue Jackets against everybody’s favorite coach John Tortorella.

As of now, the Blue Jackets and Hurricanes are tied for the two wild-card playoff spots at 81 points apiece. That puts both clubs five points behind the Penguins for third place in the Metropolitan Division.

Carolina also plays Thursday in New Jersey.

So enjoy this podcast. You never know. It could be the last one you hear while the season is still active for a while.

Tribune Review LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180730 Pittsburgh Penguins That’s wrong. The team is better off when their star players are all healthy and playing smart hockey. The team is better off when their coach is holding them to that high standard.

Tim Benz: What’s wrong with the Penguins? Here are 2 theories to But to argue this team is better off without them is absurd. debunk If the Penguins do qualify for the playoffs, what would some of you prefer? Enter Game 1 of the postseason with Malkin, Crosby and Letang as healthy scratches? TIM BENZ | Thursday, March 12, 2020 6:20 a.m. Yeah, I didn’t think so.

2. The goalie rotation killed Tristan Jarry’s season: The optimistic way to look at the Penguins is to hope that Tuesday’s 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils will be the kind of victory that gets this No, it didn’t. recently rudderless team back on a Stanley Cup course. Math killed Tristan Jarry’s season. And so did a lot of the defense from Unfortunately, their current stretch of losing eight times in 11 games his teammates. suggests a lot more than one victory against a non-playoff opponent is in At the time of his All-Star announcement, Jarry was 13-6-1. He was tops order before we should infer that is happening. in the league in all major goaltending categories with a 1.99 goals against To that end, let’s debunk two increasingly popular “What’s wrong with the average, .935 save percentage and three shutouts (tied). Pens???” theories. Those numbers were unsustainable. It was like watching Josh Bell mash Let’s be clear. I’m on record as saying that any criticism hurled at the homers at a “Ruthian” pace for the Pirates through May. Then he Penguins in recent weeks probably has some level of truth to it. regressed in June.

But these are two angles where an accurate concern from Twitter hot The same thing is happening to Jarry. He was playing over his head and takers and talk show callers turns into a wildly misrepresented opinion. so was the team in front of him.

1. “The Penguins are better off when they don’t have all of their stars in On the season, Jarry is 20-12-1. His save percentage is .921. His goals the lineup!”: against average is 2.43.

That’s just not true. Those are all, by far, career bests. That shows me he is still a good young goalie having the best year of his NHL career and he is just in a The sun has never risen over the Hill District on a day when that slump right now. Unfortunately, that slump has also coincided with some franchise was better off without the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni rotten play by the skaters on the ice with him, so his margin for error has Malkin, Matt Murray and Kris Letang. been minimal.

To make any statement to the contrary would be suggesting that three I know. Over his four-game losing streak, Jarry’s save percentage is a Stanley Cups and four conference championships happened despite lousy .844. His goals against average is 4.50. their presence on the roster. But, like Bell, this is a correction back to statistical reality. Not a product I’d argue the exact opposite. Along with the likes of Phil Kessel, Marc of more sporadic playing time. All season long, when Murray has been Andre Fleury, Jordan Staal, Sergei Gonchar and Chris Kunitz, those guys hot, so has Jarry. Now, when Murray has struggled, Jarry has, too. are largely responsible for the salad days of the last 13 years. Between Jan. 7 and Feb. 18, the Penguins went 11-3-1. Jarry was 6-2 What I think people are trying to say is that when all the stars are in the during the stretch. Murray was 5-1-1. So was the rotation “ruining” either lineup at once, the Penguins become too offensively reliant. They get too goalie then? fancy and high risk. They get away from sound coaching because they feel superstar status allows them to freelance. An air of warranted I feel bashing Jarry by way of blaming rotation is essentially a move by confidence erodes into one of arrogance because of past successes. Penguins fans to tacitly blame Murray for Jarry’s recent demise. And that’s unfair. Stating it that way, I see a lot of truth in the concern. Can’t we just go back to blaming Murray’s glove hand for everything? I’d also argue that’s all been true since roughly the 2010 playoff loss to Montreal. Yet the Penguins have won a ton of games and multiple titles Those were simpler times. with this core and that style since then. So, Penguins fans, what I’m saying is this. There are innumerable That doesn’t make anything we’ve just discussed right. It just means it’s a problems and people to blame for why things have been so bad for the conquerable issue. local hockey team the last three weeks.

Of course, the players have to wake up and play the right way as they did We don’t need to invent issues that don’t exist. in 2016 and 2017. Tribune Review LOADED: 03.13.2020 Meaning, allow their speed and talent to shine within the restraints of defensively responsible play and a disciplined approach through the neutral zone and into the offensive end.

Instead, the Penguins have recently allowed those elements to become diametrically opposed. Forcing offense and dangerous passes in place of simple grinding, shooting and basic offensive zone play.

Let’s not forget taking undisciplined penalties out of frustration when those things go awry.

Those are issues head coach Mike Sullivan addressed through accountability and discipline when he first got to Pittsburgh. His stern approach helped the Penguins win two Stanley Cups. Because of all the success he has enjoyed with those players, maybe that tough love has slipped.

A popular fan belief is that the Penguins are better off having Sullivan be a taskmaster over lesser players and call-ups from Wilkes- Barre/Scranton. 1180731 Pittsburgh Penguins Kris Letang took ownership for a foolish penalty in Tuesday’s win. Jack Johnson dissected the penalty kill.

Early Wednesday evening, they learned they were to play in an empty NHL suspends season amid COVID-19 concerns arena. A few hours later, Penguins players sat in their hotel in Columbus, watching the NBA news break on TV and Twitter and wondering what the NHL might do next.

MATT VENSEL Pittsburgh Post-Gazette MAR 12, 2020 5:39 PM A few weeks ago, some players were simply wondering whether they could still get new hockey sticks from equipment companies with

manufacturing in China due to the COVID-19 outbreak there. Suddenly, COLUMBUS — The NHL announced Thursday that it will press pause on they were staring at the possibility that they wouldn’t be swinging a stick this season to determine how to safely move forward in regard to the for a while. coronavirus pandemic. The Penguins were still in Columbus when the NHL made its In a statement, the league announced that the suspension of the 2019-20 announcement a little after 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. The team then flew season would begin immediately, so the Penguins will not play the back to Pittsburgh and players were sent home without testing. Now they Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. wait.

“Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so “The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup,” pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time,” the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday afternoon in a statement. Players Association said in a statement. “Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay “The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation healthy.” and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants That news came a day after the NBA suspended its season “until further and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are notice” after a player tested positive for the new coronavirus, COVID-19. looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans The player, per ESPN, was Utah Jazz All-Star center Rudy Gobert. everywhere.”

As that story rapidly evolved Wednesday, pressure built for other There was no mention in the NHL’s statement of contingency plans for professional sports leagues to take a hiatus. The NHL said late the rest of the regular season or the playoffs if the season resumes, as Wednesday it would consult with medical experts, evaluate its options the league hopes. The NHL has 189 total regular season games and provide the public an update Thursday. remaining. The regular season was scheduled to end April 4, with the playoffs starting the week of April 6. The league’s Board of Governors discussed the situation on a conference call Thursday afternoon and the decision was made to put In 1919, the Stanley Cup finals were canceled after five games due to an the season on hold. outbreak of Spanish flu. Many Montreal Canadiens players and their manager were hospitalized. One player, Joe Hall, died of the illness. “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments The only time since then that the Stanley Cup has not been awarded was without taking premature or unnecessary measures,” Bettman said in the when the entire 2004-05 season was canceled due to the league’s labor statement. lockout.

“However, [with] news that an NBA player has tested positive for The Penguins, 3-8-0 in their last 11 games, are currently third in the coronavirus — and given that our leagues share so many facilities and Metropolitan Division standings behind the Washington Capitals and the locker rooms and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers. community would test positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate Post Gazette LOADED: 03.13.2020 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,” Bettman said in his statement.

The Penguins also issued a statement to “our fans” later Thursday afternoon, telling them to “be safe” during these “unprecedented times.”

“We will remain in contact with the NHL during this period and pass on information to you as it becomes available,” it read. “We look forward to seeing you again when the excitement of Penguins hockey returns to PPG Paints Arena. We truly appreciate your support. Thank you for your understanding. Be safe.”

An employee of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority wears a face mask at work in the Union Square subway station in Manhattan on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday the state would ban all gatherings with 500 or more people to battle the coronavirus.

Late Wednesday, the Penguins remained in Columbus, awaiting word from the NHL and planned to follow its lead whenever a path forward was determined. The team at that time was scheduled to play the Blue Jackets on Thursday night here at Nationwide Arena, with the game closed to the public.

After Wednesday’s practice in Columbus ended around 1:30 p.m., it was business as usual for Penguins players made available to the media, though Justin Schultz noted it was “weird” to be standing six feet away from reporters.

Schultz spoke about how his goal against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday gave him a confidence boost. Winger Zach Aston-Reese expressed excitement about potentially returning to the lineup this week. 1180732 San Jose Sharks

SAP Center employee tests positive for COVID-19

By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 8:26 p.m. | UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 8:40 p.m.

Sharks Sports & Entertainment announced Thursday evening that a part- time employee at SAP Center at San Jose has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The organization issued a news release that said it received notification of the person’s positive test late Wednesday, and that the person “is under self-quarantine and receiving care from medical professionals. We have been informed that this employee is recovering and feeling better.”

According to the Sharks, the person last worked at SAP Center on March 3 when the team played the Toronto Maple Leafs, two days before the Santa Clara County Public Health Department recommended moratorium on public gatherings of over 1,000 people.

The news release, which was also sent to season ticket holders, continued, “In coordination with the public health department, SSE Management is following the health authority’s determination that risk to the public from that exposure is low and that no additional precautions are necessary. SSE will continue to monitor the situation.”

The Sharks played three more games at SAP Center after their game against Toronto. They played the Minnesota Wild on March 5, the Ottawa Senators on March 7 and the Colorado Avalanche on March 8.

Earlier Thursday, the NHL announced that it was immediately suspending play over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. The Sharks, who were in St. Louis at the time of the announcement, flew back to San Jose on Thursday afternoon.

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180733 San Jose Sharks to be as proactive as possible. What we do today should have been done yesterday. And closed-door games won’t do enough — we can’t have teams flying all over the country, possibly spreading the virus, for the sake of a television product. Kurtenbach: No time for fun and games — why sports needed to be shut down in the wake of coronavirus I want normal life to be back, too. I, like everyone else, was looking forward to Opening Day at the end of the month.

Everyone needs to recognize that our normal day-to-day operations are By DIETER KURTENBACH |PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 12:20 p.m. no longer possible. | UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 5:43 p.m. The NFL Draft needs to be done in front of a green screen. There are enough diseases floating around Las Vegas — the coronavirus doesn’t need to be one of them. Baseball might found out a shorter schedule will The attending physician to the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court do the sport some good. expects anywhere from 70 to 150 million people in this country to contract coronavirus. And if a sport isn’t already shut down, it needs to be.

The head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases It needed to be yesterday. Anthony Fauci told the House Oversight and Reform Committee Wednesday that Covid-19 is “10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu,” Do that — shut it all down now — and hopefully, the day where sports — in line with the estimated but optimistic death rate of 1 percent for can resume will come a bit sooner. prepared counties. San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 03.13.2020 You can do the math — one percent of 70 million, 100 million, 150 million.

A staggering number. That’s a catastrophe.

And it will disproportionately affect those who are older and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

And what will make this disease so widespread is the fact that for people under 60, the death rate is in line with the seasonal flu. We’re not infectious, we’re just “a bit under the weather”.

But that kind of thinking can no longer exist — not if you want grandma and grandpa or your friend with diabetes to be ok. The threat to them is clear and present. We simply cannot go on with our normal lives anymore. Too many people will die if we do. Hospitals will be overrun if we do. It’s a risk that’s not worth taking.

This is bigger than sports now.

Now, sports are big business, but they are also, inherently, frivolous entertainment. The world will go on without sports. It’ll be less fun, for sure, but the time for fun and games has passed.

When it comes to sports, we need to shut it down, on every level.

The NBA didn’t have a choice. Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert’s positive test for Covid-19 forced the league to indefinitely suspend play Wednesday night.

He’s not a villain, but his public glibness towards the virus ahead of his infection was a reminder that this is, again, an extremely serious thing.

And it turns out his teammate, Donovan Mitchell, has it too.

Both should be fine — they’re world-class athletes — but a for player like Cleveland’s Larry Nance, who has Crohn’s Disease and takes drugs that can weaken his immune system, that’s not necessarily the case. The Jazz played the Cavs on March 2. Gobert, Mitchell, and Nance all played.

Yes, the NBA had to shut down.

If nothing else, the possible legal liability of someone becoming infected at a game is enough to bring everything to a halt. The league cannot reasonably function until it’s clear that there is no immediate risk to its players, the fans, team personnel, and the media. That moment, sadly, looks a long way off.

The league is currently estimating a 30-day hiatus. That’s aspirational.

The NHL and Major League Soccer have wisely followed suit in shutting down. After nearly every NCAA basketball conference tournament had been stopped, the NCAA canceled their men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, the remainder of all winter sports, and all spring sports, too. Major League Baseball has suspended spring training and will delay the start of the regular season by two weeks. That’s too is aspirational, but at least it’s not obtuse.

They’re necessary and correct measures. If we — yes, the collective we, as Americans (I know we don’t use that ‘we’ that often anymore) — are going to stop SARS-CoV-2 from infecting 75-150 million people, we have 1180734 San Jose Sharks The Sharks were originally scheduled to practice Thursday in St. Louis. The NHL, though, advised all teams not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings, “given the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus.” San Jose Sharks return home after NHL pauses season Crazy news over the last 24hrs, obviously this affects people across the world in many different ways. The @NHL has done the right thing in taking this pause to help the risk of spreading this virus. I look forward to By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: March 12, 2020 at 10:39 a.m. | getting back on the ice soon and playing in front of our fans! UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 7:29 p.m. — Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) March 13, 2020

The Sharks began what was supposed to be a four-game road trip with a The San Jose Sharks flew back to the Bay Area from St. Louis on 6-2 loss to the Blackhawks on Wednesday. After playing St. Louis, they Thursday after the NHL announced that it was immediately suspending were scheduled to play the Dallas Stars on Saturday and the Colorado play over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. Avalanche on Tuesday. The NHL Board of Governors, in a meeting with Commissioner Gary After the road trip, the Sharks were to have nine regular season games Bettman, finalized the decision to pause the league’s season after a left, five of which were to be at SAP Center. Their first game back at conference call Thursday morning, joining a slew of other leagues and home was supposed to be March 19 against the Montreal Canadiens. sports organizations who have postponed or canceled events, The Sharks had announced prior to Wednesday’s road game that its suspended seasons or decided to hold events without spectators as a three home games this month were going to be played with no effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. spectators. Sharks Sports & Entertainment issued a news release Thursday morning Rules as to how teams should conduct themselves during the hiatus that said the organization was, “fully supportive of the NHL’s decision.” have not been announced. However, Darren Dreger of TSN reported that The statement continued, “With NHL games now being placed on hold as teams will not be allowed to travel, or hold meetings or practices. opposed to played without fans, ticket holders are asked to hang on to An NHL Players’ Association statement read, “The decision to their tickets until additional information from the NHL becomes available. temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an As new developments arise, we will communicate with our fans and appropriate course of action at this time. The NHLPA will continue to partners. We appreciate your patience and understanding.” closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily The AHL, which includes the San Jose Barracuda, followed the NHL’s discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players lead after its own Board of Governors meeting Thursday and announced regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to its season would also be paused. the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

There was no immediate word how long the NHL planned to put its For now, according to various reports, players have been told to stay schedule on hiatus, only that its goal was to resume play as soon as “it is home and sit tight. appropriate or prudent.” The NHL, in its news release, did state that it “Crazy news over the last 24hrs, obviously this affects people across the hopes to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup. world in many different ways,” Sharks winger Evander Kane tweeted The NBA on Wednesday night announced that it was suspending its Thursday night. “The @NHL has done the right thing in taking this pause season “until further notice” after Utah Jazz player Rody Gobert tested to help the risk of spreading this virus. I look forward to getting back on positive for the coronavirus. Thursday morning, ESPN reported that a the ice soon and playing in front of our fans!” second Utah player, Donovan Mitchell, had also tested positive. San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 03.13.2020 Heading home. pic.twitter.com/QAKsBumR2Y

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 12, 2020

“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,” the league said in a news release. “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.”

Late Wednesday and early Thursday, several conferences within the NCAA, including the Pac-12, announced they were canceling the remainder of their basketball tournaments. Major League Baseball also announced that Opening Day would be pushed back two weeks and that spring training games would also be suspended, starting.Thursday afternoon.

As of early Thursday afternoon, there were over 1,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States, including 179 in California. There have been 39 reported deaths, with four of those in California.

Wednesday, Santa Clara County officials announced that three new cases of COVID-19 have been identified, bringing the total to 48.

Late Wednesday night following their game with the Blackhawks, the Sharks flew from Chicago to St. Louis, where they were scheduled to play the Blues on Friday night. 1180735 San Jose Sharks

Coronavirus: Sharks say part-time SAP Center employee tested positive

By Ali Thanawalla March 12, 2020 8:25 PM

The Sharks announced Thursday night that a part-time employee at SAP Center in San Jose tested positive for the coronavirus. The employee last worked on March 3, two days before the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health recommended "postponing or canceling mass gatherings and large community events where large numbers of people are within arm's length of one another."

Here's the statement from Sharks Sports & Entertainment:

"Sharks Sports & Entertainment (SSE) has received notification that a part-time employee at SAP Center at San Jose has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. This person is under self-quarantine and receiving care from medical professionals. We have been informed that this employee is recovering and feeling better.

The individual last worked at the San Jose Sharks game at SAP Center on March 3, 2020, prior to the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department's March 5 recommended moratorium on public gatherings of over 1,000 people.

In coordination with the public health department, SSE Management is following the health authority's determination that risk to the public from that exposure is low and that no additional precautions are necessary.

SSE has proactively notified our ticket buyers today through our internal database.

SSE will continue to monitor the situation."

The Sharks' game on March 3 was the third of a six-game homestand. The team played subsequent home games on March 5 against the Minnesota Wild, March 7 against the Ottawa Senators and March 8 against the Colorado Avalanche.

On March 9, the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health banned all events with more than 1,000 people in attendance, and the Sharks later announced they would play their three remaining March home games with no fans in SAP Center.

But on Thursday, a day after the Sharks played the Blackhawks in Chicago, the NHL announced that it was pausing its season due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180736 San Jose Sharks Thursday morning, and upon landing, there was very little certainty as far as when the team might next be entirely together.

TSN's Darren Dreger reported Thursday that players have been told to Coronavirus: What's next for Sharks with NHL season being on hiatus? stay home, and that all meetings, practices and travel have been prohibited.

More details on the NHL suspending play. No travel allowed. No meeting. By Brian Witt March 12, 2020 6:28 PM No paractices. However, it’s a rapidly changing environment. For now it’s go home, go home and stay home until further notice.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 12, 2020 It certainly wasn't going to be ideal, but it was a necessary compromise. On Wednesday, the Sharks announced that when they returned from No NHL player has tested positive for the coronavirus as of yet, but it's their four-game road trip, they planned to play the remainder of their fair to assume that it's just a matter of time until one does. If and when March home games at SAP Center in front of no fans. that happens, one would expect the potential resumption date to be pushed further out. Twenty-four hours later, it turns out those games won't be played at all, or at least not for a while. In the meantime, there's not much that the Sharks or other NHL teams can do. They can't play games or practice. There are no leagues or The NHL announced Thursday that the 2019-20 season has been tournaments to scout, pretty much throughout the entire world. San Jose indefinitely paused due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The did well to add to its draft arsenal at the trade deadline, but the team league ultimately had very little choice after its hand was forced by the likely will be limited to prior tape when evaluating prospects, and those NBA choosing to do the same Wednesday night, after two Utah Jazz that are already in the franchise's system will see their development players tested positive for the coronavirus. halted. If the NHL and NBA aren't siblings, they're at least cousins. They have It's been an ugly season for the Sharks, and one they probably wouldn't nearly identical league structures, the same number of games, similar have minded fast-forwarding to the end of. season schedules, and in many cases, their respective teams share the same home building. When the NBA indefinitely suspended its season Not like this, though. Wednesday night, it was only a matter of time until the rest of the professional sports family followed. Unfortunately, there are much bigger things going on.

How it affects the league and the Sharks Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.13.2020

There are 189 games and three-and-a-half weeks remaining in the NHL's regular season. If and when it resumes is anyone's guess. You can lump the playoffs in with that, as well.

In announcing that the season had been paused, the NHL held out hope that it would be able to press play again before a lengthy hiatus.

"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," the league said in a statement.

The NHL pauses the 2019-20 season. pic.twitter.com/bCi776ZFqX

— NHL (@NHL) March 12, 2020

While it has been extremely rare, there is prior NHL precedent in which the Stanley Cup has not been awarded to any team. It has happened twice, first in 1918-19 due to the Spanish Flu, and again in 2004-05 because of the lockout. There are several parallels between the former situation and the current one.

Whether or not the remainder of the regular season and/or playoffs take place, the Sharks won't be raising Lord Stanley. We've known that for quite some time.

While San Jose's season has been prematurely cut short -- for the time being, at least -- by the coronavirus pandemic, it's not as if it had been a successful one. A ridiculous combination of bad luck and injuries to key players this season has resulted in the franchise's worst points- percentage since 2002-03, not to mention a midseason coaching change that ultimately didn't do much to change the team's trajectory. In what could possibly have been the Sharks' final game this season Wednesday night, they stumbled to a 6-2 road loss against the Chicago Blackhawks. Combined with the Los Angeles Kings' win over the Ottawa Senators, it plummeted San Jose to the absolute bottom of the league standings.

"We're all upset we lost a game 6-2 and then you look at what everybody else is going through in the world, you got to remind yourself this is just a game," interim coach Bob Boughner said following the loss. "There are bigger things going on."

What's next?

Just like pretty much everything else in the world of sports right now, nobody can be sure.

The NHL can hope and pray all it wants that the season will be able to resume in the relatively near future, but it would appear to be far too early in the process to have any reasonable idea about the viability of that possibility. The Sharks boarded the team plane back to San Jose on 1180737 San Jose Sharks

Coronavirus: Sharks head home after NHL pauses season indefinitely

By Dalton Johnson March 12, 2020 12:08 PM

The Sharks are headed home.

As the NHL paused its season indefinitely on Thursday due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Sharks left Chicago and will not be traveling to Boston for what was supposed to be their next scheduled game.

Heading home. pic.twitter.com/QAKsBumR2Y

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 12, 2020

The Sharks recognized the seriousness of the situation and released the following statement after the NHL made its decision.

"The National Hockey League has announced Thursday that the 2019-20 NHL regular season will be paused for the safety of its players, employees, and fans in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharks Sports & Entertainment is fully supportive of the NHL's decision.

"With NHL games now being placed on hold as opposed to played without fans, ticket holders are asked to hang on to their tickets until additional information from the NHL becomes available.

"As new developments arise, we will communicate with our fans and partners. We appreciate your patience and understanding."

The Sharks fell to the Chicago Blackhawks, 6-2, on Wednesday night. After the game, interim head coach Bob Boughner made it clear how small the loss is in the grand scheme of things.

"We're all upset we lost a game 6-2 and then you look at what everybody else is going through in the world, you got to remind yourself this is just a game. There's bigger things going on."#SJSharks head coach Bob Boughner speaks to the media following tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/DZKZaizqI2

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 12, 2020

As of the NHL suspending its season, the Sharks are last in the Western Conference with a 29-36-5 record.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180738 San Jose Sharks

Coronavirus: 1919 Stanley Cup Final was canceled due to flu pandemic

By Josh Schrock March 12, 2020 7:41 AM

The coronavirus outbreak has altered life for a large swath of the population, and the sports world still is coming to grips with its new reality.

On Wednesday, the NBA suspended the season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. The league reportedly is not optimistic the season will be restarted. The NHL joined the NBA and paused its season indefinitely on Thursday.

Thee are unprecedented times. Would an entire season be called off due to the outbreak? There is only one time in history where a season has been called off by pandemic, according to the Seattle Times. It happened in 1919 when the Stanley Cup Final had to be called off due to the Spanish flu pandemic.

With the Seattle Metropolitans and Montreal Canadiens battling for hockey supremacy, public health officials called off a decisive Game 6 just 5.5 hours before puck drop after a number of Canadiens had to be hospitalized with fevers ranging from 100 to 105 degrees.

The Spanish flu plagued the world from January 1918 through December 1920, claiming the lives of between 5 and 10 million people, which was 3 to 5 percent of the world's population.

The entire world has ground to a halt due to the coronavirus outbreak. San Francisco, Santa Clara County and the state of Washington took extreme measures this week. The first two banned "mass gatherings" of 1,000 people or more while Washington banned gatherings of over 250 people.

The World Health Organization labeled the coronavirus a pandemic Wednesday. There are more than 1,200 confirmed cases in the United States, according to NBC News, and 37 people in the U.S. had died as of Wednesday.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180739 San Jose Sharks

Coronavirus: NHL pauses 2019-20 season indefinitely amid pandemic

By Brian Witt March 12, 2020 10:39 AM

The NHL has paused the 2019-20 season due to growing fears about coronavirus (COVID-19), the league announced Thursday.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released the following statement:

“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.”

The NHL's decision comes less than 24 hours after the NBA suspended its season Wednesday night, following the revelation that a Utah Jazz player had tested positive for coronavirus. On Thursday morning, multiple outlets reported that a second Jazz player also tested positive.

No NHL player has tested positive for coronavirus as of yet, but with the number of confirmed cases continuing to grow around the country and world, the decision to suspend the NHL season can be viewed as a precautionary measure. It remains to be seen if and when the season will resume.

Earlier Wednesday, the Sharks announced that they would play the remainder of their March home games at SAP Center without any fans present. Given the league's announcement, those games now won't be taking place at all.

San Jose opened up a four-game road trip with a 6-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. With the Los Angeles Kings leapfrogging the Sharks in the standings with their victory over the Ottawa Senators, San Jose (29-36-5) heads into the indefinite hiatus ranking dead last among all 31 NHL teams with only 70 points.

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Sharks announce a part-time SAP Center employee has tested positive for COVID-19

By Kevin Kurz Mar 12, 2020

A part-time employee of SAP Center in San Jose has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, the Sharks said in a statement on Thursday evening.

The unidentified individual last worked the Sharks-Maple Leafs game on March 3 and is self-quarantining while receiving medical care. According to the Sharks, the employee is “recovering and feeling better.”

The Sharks had three more home games after March 3: On March 5 vs. Minnesota, March 7 vs. Ottawa and March 8 vs. Colorado.

On March 5, two days after the Sharks-Maple Leafs game, Santa Clara County recommended a moratorium for public gatherings of more than 1,000 people. On Thursday morning, the NHL suspended its regular season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Sharks’ statement continued:

“In coordination with the public health department, SSE Management is following the health authority’s determination that risk to the public from that exposure is low and that no additional precautions are necessary.

“SSE has proactively notified our ticket buyers today through our internal database.

“SSE will continue to monitor the situation.”

The Sharks flew back to San Jose on Thursday afternoon from St. Louis, where they were supposed to play the Blues on Friday, landing just before 5 p.m. Pacific time.

HEADING HOME. PIC.TWITTER.COM/QAKSBUMR2Y

— SAN JOSE SHARKS (@SANJOSESHARKS) MARCH 12, 2020

On Wednesday night, in what was possibly their final game of the 2019- 20 season, the Sharks lost in Chicago, 6-2.

“It’s obviously pretty serious what’s going on,” Brent Burns said after the game. “We’re not experts on it, obviously. We just go where we’re supposed to and hopefully there’s smarter people than us that take care of us.”

Interim coach Bob Boughner said: “I think the league has always been amazing about protecting the players, safety first. It’s always been at the forefront for the league. … (The virus) is everywhere. We’re not separate from that. Like the people that we come in contact with on a daily basis, whether it’s people working in the rink, fans or media. Everybody. We’re all in it together. There’s a lot of interaction for a pro athlete or someone in pro sports, just like everywhere else in the world.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180741 St Louis Blues season over. Frank Seravalli of TSN in Canada reported that teams have been asked about arena availability into July. Last season, the Stanley Cup Final, won by the Blues, ended on June 12. Extending the season past June 30 would complicate the league's offseason schedule, with the Blues play halted as NHL suspends season because of coronavirus draft and free agency, but exceptions would have to be made for a large- scale change.

The Blues’ regular season is scheduled to end on April 4. Tom Timmermann Canceling games would be a big step for the NHL, since the league,

moreso than the NBA, MLB or NFL, is dependent on ticket sales because The NHL has announced a temporary suspension of its season on their TV contract is not as big as the others. Some teams have as many Thursday because of the coronavirus, a decision that was inevitable after as eight home games remaining. The Blues have six. While some teams the NBA had done the same on Wednesday night. have released information about ticket refunds, the Blues have not yet.

The league hopes to be able to resume the season and award the The NHL Players Association endorsed the decision to suspend the Stanley Cup, but with the fast-changing conditions, it's obviously season. impossible to say when. TSN reported that the league hopes for a short “The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 break and that teams won't practice in the interim. The situation will be pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time," the group said. assessed on a daily basis. "The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans today that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with tonight’s everywhere.” games," the league said. The American Hockey League, the NHL's top minor league, has also "The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts suspended play. So have the Canadian and American junior leagues. and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.13.2020 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.”

Said Blues president and CEO Chris Zimmerman: "Our goal is to resume play and host other events as soon as it is appropriate. We expect to complete this season and defend the Stanley Cup."

Zimmerman also said: "I can assure you that the St. Louis Blues and the NHL are following the mandates of health experts and local authorities to ensure that anyone who joins us for events at Enterprise Center and Stifel Theatre are in a safe and healthy environment.

"We will continue to monitor all of the appropriate medical advice, and will encourage everyone affiliated with our organization and all of St. Louis to take all reasonable and appropriate precautions. ... We are in constant communication with health experts, the city of St. Louis and the NHL and we will update you on further developments."

Just Wednesday afternoon, the Blues released a statement about enhanced sanitary policies at Enterprise Center and that the games would go on. Teams in some markets, Columbus and San Jose, were prepared to play games without fans, but then Wednesday evening, Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus and the NBA abruptly suspended play.

The NHL allowed last night’s games, including the Blues’ 4-2 win at Anaheim, to be played. The Blues are en route back from the West Coast on Thursday afternoon.

The league’s board of governors finalized the decision on a conference call today.

The Blues have 11 games remaining in the regular season and were supposed to have home games on Friday against San Jose and Sunday against Ottawa before going out on the road.

There would seem to be several options going forward for the league, ranging from the most extreme, cancelling the season, to restarting play after a short pause.

Depending on how long play is suspended, the league could restart the season, play the final regular-season games and then hold the playoffs as normal, or it could go straight to the playoffs and declare the regular 1180742 St Louis Blues to six minutes, where a lot of guys have to grind to get anywhere near the 6:30 mark. To him, it’s just a breeze. … That's why this whole episode was that much more concerning. It makes you realize you’re basically not invincible.” Hochman: As Blues return to scene of Bouwmeester's collapse, reflections from friend and ex-teammate Chris Butler In sports, invincibility is a mentality until it’s a myth. Interestingly, Butler said Bouwmeester often read biographies of “people that have conquered massive things, whether it was climbing Everest with a disability, or (went on a) hiking adventure. … I sat next to him on the Benjamin Hochman plane, and he reads a book every single flight. I think you'd be hard- pressed to find any player in the history of the National Hockey League that read for basically an 82-game season, and for however many he’s The last time the Blues and Ducks met in Anaheim, Chris Butler watched played.” from his iPad in Minneapolis. And Butler gave a glimpse into the locker room during the tenuous times “I was sitting on the couch,” he said, “and I think my wife was watching from last season, when the Blues were playing frighteningly inconsistent ‘The Bachelor.’” hockey. Sometimes, the same leaders speaking can become redundant, regardless of how thoughtful the thoughts, “but when 'Bow' talks,” Butler It was just a regular night in Butler’s newly regular lifestyle. The St. Louis said, “everybody just kind of stops what they're doing and listens -- you native had retired from the National Hockey League, following 407 know, he’s almost a very fatherly type figure to the group. games played, including 58 for the Blues — and 13 during last season’s championship campaign. “We had a couple of closed door meetings there in December. … He was definitely more vocal last year, when times were tough. 'Bow' always As Butler recalled the Blues-Ducks game from over the phone, a young says the stuff that we need to hear. Often times, it's not what you want to baby could be heard in the background. Like his dear friend Jay hear. Stuff that maybe makes you reflect a little bit and look in the mirror Bouwmeester, Butler is a defenseman-turned-dad, too. and maybe question yourself – you know, am I doing everything possible “He's one of my all-time favorites,” Butler said of Bouwmeester, his to make sure that I'm 100% prepared? To make sure that I'm a good teammate and team-flight seatmate for both the Blues and the Calgary teammate? To make sure that the style of game that I'm playing is Flames. “It was – it was really hard to watch.” reflective of what the team wants not just what I want as an individual? And he's not afraid to say that stuff. And you need guys like that around.” In a game that would be postponed and replayed Wednesday, the Blues’ Bouwmeester collapsed on the bench due to cardiac arrest on Feb. 11. He’s no longer around, at least on ice or in the locker room. But the Blues have paid homage to Bow with the way they’ve played for much of the “Your first instinct when you see something like that is – you immediately past month. From iPads in Minneapolis to TVs in St. Louis, we see it. go to his family,” Butler said. “And I know his wife, I know his kids a little bit. You’re prepared for players to get injured, you're prepared for guys to St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.13.2020 separate his shoulder or get cut open or whatever it may be. But that's type of stuff you know you're going to come back from.

“Seeing something like that, it just made you sick to your stomach. … It was pretty tough watching that game in Anaheim, but certainly happy to hear that he's OK now and back to some sort of normalcy.”

As we know, “Bow” is recovering. He held a press conference, he has visited the team a few times. He had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placed in his chest — in efforts to monitor and control his heartbeat. He won’t play again this season. This summer, the 36- year-old Stanley Cup champion will decide whether he’ll ever play again.

“He’s one of the best,” Butler said, though it was unclear if he meant “defensemen” or “people” or both. “I was probably just as excited to watch Bow lift the Stanley Cup, as I was personally. And I think that sentiment probably goes for every single guy in that locker room.”

You hear athletes say different things to pay tribute to other athletes. But hearing Butler say he was as excited to see "Bow" hoist the Cup as Butler was hoisting it himself? That's all you need to know about the legend of Jay Bouwmeester – and his legacy, too.

Sometimes, as the sports world is caught in the whirlwind of the day-to- day, we don’t learn the full story of an athlete until something huge happens. Like, we knew "Bow" was respected, and we knew "Bow" was a hard-worker, but these shared stories since the cardiac episode are astounding. Butler had some good ones.

“The bike test we do in St. Louis is probably the hardest bike test or second-hardest bike test I've ever done,” Butler said. “And guys get off that, it's like, they're seeing stars. Some guys throw up. 'Bow' got off that thing and just sits in the chair and just has a conversation like he's reading the Sunday paper.”

Butler said Bouwmeester, who was in his 17th NHL season, actually spent time cycling with Team Canada’s riders up in Canmore, Alberta, “just to stay ready for the season. … I remember one year we came back from the season, I think I was in Calgary, he told me that he and his wife went backpacking in Nepal for two weeks. In the offseason. He's not going to Cabo and just drinking a bunch of beer on the beach like most guys do after the season. …

“(The bike test in St. Louis) was an aerodyne bike that we did at the Mills. You have to do three miles. You do a mile, you get a two-minute break. A mile, two-minute break and then do a third mile, and I believe the total time is supposed to be under 6:30 or 6:20. And he probably does it closer 1180743 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning, NHL cancel morning skate on Thursday

By Diana C. Nearhos

Coronavirus outbreak stories are free to read as a public service at tampabay.com/coronavirus. Sign up for our DayStarter newsletter to receive updates weekday mornings. If this coverage is important to you, consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Tampa Bay Times at tampabay.com/subscribe.

UPDATE 1:10 p.m. The Athletic’s Pierre Lebrun reported that Gary Bettman put out the idea of putting the season on hold to the Board of Governors with no objections.

Source says Gary Bettman has just put it on the table to NHL governors: put the season on hold. So far no opposition from owners on the call.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 12, 2020

The Lightning canceled their morning skate in advance of Thursday’s scheduled game against the Flyers. The NHL issued an advisory that teams not hold morning skate, practice or team meetings on Thursday, “given the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus.”

Wednesday night, the league issued a statement that it was considering the options for the schedule and would announce an update on Thursday. The NHL is expected to hold a call with its board of governors at 1 p.m. Thursday.

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that some NHL road teams are planning to go the airport and wait there on if they would be leaving. The Flyers have not yet removed their equipment from Amalie Arena.

Sources say some NHL road teams are planning on heading to the airport and will await word on whether to stay or go.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 12, 2020

That came after the NBA shut down its game play “until further notice” after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for COVID-19.

RELATED: NHL evaluating options after NBA suspends play

Two NHL teams, San Jose and Columbus, announced on Wednesday that they would play in empty arenas after the county of Santa Clara and the state of Ohio banned events with crowds larger than 1,000 people.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180744 Tampa Bay Lightning Goodrow. At the time, GM Julien BriseBois said he could afford the price, but what he “couldn’t afford” was not giving his team the best chance for a long run in April.

‘It’s scary’: Lightning players grappling with what’s next in suspended Did that cross players’ minds as they left Amalie Arena on Thursday, not season knowing when they’d be back?

“To be honest, I haven’t thought about it enough because the news is so fresh,” Killorn said. “Right now, the main thing is making sure everything By Joe Smith Mar 12, 2020 is handled properly. There are more important things. The safety and lives of people in this country are more important than that.”

For now, Thunder Alley will remain empty on game nights, like Thursday, TAMPA, Fla. — Lightning players showed up to the arena Thursday with no bands playing on their stage. Local bars like Hattricks and morning holding out hope they’d be playing that night against the Flyers. Yeoman’s Cask & Lion will likely take a hit, especially with other sporting They even had their usual meetings. events like NBA basketball, Major League Baseball and the NCAA It wasn’t until around 10 a.m., veteran wing Alex Killorn said, that they Tournament not being played. were told to leave the rink and await further word on the state of the The Lightning are expected to announce more information regarding league, and their season, thanks to the coronavirus that is wreaking tickets for canceled games in the near future. Scouts have been advised havoc around the world. It was surreal to see the empty hallways at not to travel, and they don’t need to, with many of the junior leagues Amalie Arena, the players driving out of the parking lot at the time their following suit and suspending their seasons. morning skate normally would be starting. What’s next for the players? You play 70 games, hoping to peak at the Killorn said with the NBA and other leagues postponing events and right time — right before the playoffs. Now there are no practices or suspending its season, they knew the NHL could be next. Still, it didn’t meetings, no workouts, at least not yet, as the league takes this situation take away the sting or the shock when the NHL announced Thursday day by day. afternoon it would be hitting the pause button on the season. There’s still hope the season could resume and that the Stanley Cup playoffs could “We’ve been kind of told to go home, and we’re going to hear something be played. But for now, there will be no practices, no games, no later on the next step,” Killorn said. “I have no idea. But we have to keep meetings. in shape somehow.”

Just a whole lot of unknown. The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 “I think it’s a disappointment,” Killorn said during a conference call Thursday afternoon. “When we first started hearing about (the) coronavirus, I don’t know we would have thought it would have amounted to this. As the last couple days have progressed and other leagues took certain action, we figured at least last night that the NHL would follow in those footsteps.”

The Lightning had a near miss with the virus over the weekend, having followed the NBA’s Utah Jazz through Boston and Detroit. Jazz center Rudy Gobert was the NBA’s first player to test positive for COVID-19 just before tipoff of Wednesday’s game in Oklahoma City. Teammate Donovan Mitchell has also tested positive. The Lightning used the same visitor’s locker room as the Jazz at TD Garden, but not on Sunday at Little Caesar’s Arena. Club officials were told that the arenas had been deep-cleaned and sanitized before their arrival.

Killorn said players got an email from training staff about that fact, so it quelled some of their fears. “It’s scary, though,” he said.

“Nobody in hockey operations has any symptoms,” the Lightning said in a statement. “We are not subject to being tested at this time.”

Killorn, the Lightning’s player rep for the NHLPA, said the union didn’t provide much input into the league’s decision to temporarily shut down the season, but they supported it.

“To be honest, we didn’t have much of an opinion on it,” Killorn said. “I know they had to obviously make some drastic decisions and make them quick, but we stand by it knowing the effect of the virus and what it can do. We stand by it and are hopeful that things get resolved.”

So what could happen next?

There is a scenario where the rest of the regular season could be canceled and the league could open the playoffs in three weeks as scheduled, with the current standings creating the matchups. If that’s what happens, the Lightning (43-21-6) would finish in second place in the Atlantic Division and face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round.

Teams have been asked about their buildings’ availability through late July, so we could see the season, or postseason, extended as well. Stars president Brad Alberts said Thursday that the best-case scenario is that the league is back up and running “in a month or so.”

The top priority for everyone is health and safety, with the players focusing on their families. But in the big picture of this Lightning team, it’s hard not to think of what a potentially lost season could mean for their championship window. Tampa Bay has its most challenging cap crunch looming this summer, and it can’t keep everyone. The franchise paid a hefty price at the deadline in dealing two first-rounders and top prospect Nolan Foote in separate deals for forwards Blake Coleman and Barclay 1180745 Toronto Maple Leafs

NHL cancels morning skates amid speculation that season will be postponed because of coronavirus

By Mark Zwolinski Sports Reporter

The NHL on Thursday morning ordered all 31 teams to cancel their morning skates, practices and team meetings today.

It’s expected the order is a precursor to an announcement of the outright postponement of the NHL schedule.

The NHL has yet to follow the NBA and other professional leagues around the world in either cancelling their seasons, or postponing games, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The NBA announced a postponement of games Wednesday evening.

The NHL and its players’ union are currently meeting while the board of governors will meet at 1 p.m. ET. While there is no official word, it’s expected the postponement of games will follow.

The Maple Leafs were to host the Nashville Predators on home ice Thursday at 7 p.m.

The team’s media relations staff entered the media work room at the Scotiabank Arena just after 10 a.m. to inform gathered media that the morning skate availabilities had been cancelled by league order.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks said Wednesday they would play upcoming home games behind closed doors and without fans after state and local officials instituted bans on large gatherings of people.

Earlier this week, the NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer closed off access to locker rooms and clubhouses to all nonessential personnel, including media, in response to the pandemic.

Toronto Star LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180746 Toronto Maple Leafs

MLSE putting plans in place to assist event staff during stoppages

Terry Koshan

Employees of MLSE need not worry as arenas and stadiums have closed across North America.

In a statement released on Thursday, MLSE president and CEO Michael Friisdahl said the organization is putting plans in place to take care of its event workers during the work stoppages, brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our employees have shown great professionalism, as always, during this unpredictable time, and we are currently finalizing programs to assist our part-time and event staff, made up of close to 4,000 dedicated event personnel,” Friisdahl said.

“The health and safety of our fans, teams, employees and the general public is our highest priority at all times. As we work through this difficult and unprecedented situation, we are thankful for the understanding and support we have received from our fans and partners, including our leagues and the live entertainment community.”

The statement also said that MLSE will be an “active and supportive” partner in conversation with the respective leagues — the NHL, NBA and MLS — regarding the determination of what comes next for each.

As we know, the timeline for any of the leagues to resume play is fluid.

Also, MLSE said its LaunchPad on Jarvis St. in downtown Toronto will suspend operations to protect users of the facility.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180747 Toronto Maple Leafs As with the case with teams across the NHL, the Leafs were asked to provide an update on arena availability though the end of July in the event that playoff games are contested then.

Shanahan: Maple Leafs are 'in full support' of NHL decision to hit pause Going by the Scotiabank Arena website, there are four nights booked in on season June and 10 in July, the majority for concerts.

Let’s hope, some time well before next fall, that the pandemic has eased to the point that the NHL returns and the Leafs are slotted back in dates Terry Koshan in their home rink.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.13.2020 Just a week ago, the question was being put to members of the Maple Leafs: Could you imagine playing games in empty rinks, taking into account the fears of the spread of COVID-19?

None could. In fact, some of those players we asked during the Leafs’ trip to California didn’t even want to contemplate the idea.

“It would be hard to believe, especially on the revenue side of things, to think it would be a possibility,” Leafs captain John Tavares said last Thursday at the Staples Center.

Coach Sheldon Keefe didn’t want to touch the subject with a 10-foot hockey stick.

“I can’t (imagine it),” Keefe said. “I don’t really want to deal with the hypotheticals.”

If only the hypotheticals had became reality.

We weren’t contemplating anything beyond that. Members of the media weren’t thinking that the National Hockey League season could be put on pause, never mind seven days later. Certainly, that idea hadn’t occurred to any of the players.

It became fact at approximately 1:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, when the NHL said it would pause the season, starting with games that night, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the NHL released a statement announcing its decision — one that was supported by the NHL Players’ Association — the Leafs released a statement quoting team president .

“The health and safety of our fans, players, staff and media always remains at the forefront of our decision-making as a hockey club and League, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are in full support of the decision reached today by the NHL, its member clubs and players,” Shanahan said. “Like you, we have many questions about what’s to come in the future. We will continue to monitor this situation and will remain in contact with Toronto Public Health, Public Health Agency of Canada and the National Hockey League. We will provide relevant team updates as they become available.

“Our thanks to our fans for their support and understanding as we continue to navigate this very fluid situation.”

The Leafs were scheduled to play host to the Nashville Predators at Scotiabank Arena, one of 10 NHL games on the docket for Thursday.

Plans for a Leafs team meeting the morning, followed by media availability, were scuttled and players were sent home; though the Predators’ equipment was piled in bags outside the visitors’ dressing room and sticks were in their usual spot near the dressing-room door to the arena hallway, no Nashville players were to be seen.

The Leafs, like players across the NHL, were told to self-isolate once they got to their homes in the city on Thursday. Players won’t be congregating any time soon to resume practising or have team meetings.

“They’re in a bit of what-the-(bleep) mode,” an agent with several ties to the Leafs told us on Thursday. “It just came fast. It’s more that they’re suddenly not playing, not that they disagree with the decision made to pause the season.”

The season hits pause with 12 games remaining for the Leafs, with Toronto in third place in the Atlantic Division with 81 points, three up on the Florida Panthers in the race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Importantly, as it could come into play if games resume and the NHL goes straight into the post-season, the Leafs’ points percentage is .579, while the Panthers come in at .565.

We’re not going to know for a while whether Auston Matthews, sitting at 47 goals, will have a chance to become the fourth Leafs player and first since Dave Andreychuk in 1993-94 to score 50 goals in a season. 1180748 Toronto Maple Leafs Other teams, meanwhile, get a much-needed mental break. The Dallas Stars and New York Islanders had looked like they were

running on fumes lately, so a week or two off could be the equivalent of TRAIKOS: What's next for the NHL? calling a time out to clear their heads and regroup. Others, like the red- hot Philadelphia Flyers or surging Jets, might find that whatever momentum they had been carrying is gone by the time hockey is played again. Michael Traikos Really, we won’t know how teams or players will react.

After the last lockout, it was the kids who had been skating in the minors The ice is going to be awful. that had a leg up on their older competition. Will that be the case again You think the puck bounces a lot in early June? Think about what it will this time? Or will this break, however long it takes, give the veterans a look like at the end of July. Or — gulp! — August. second wind for the playoffs?

That was the first thing I thought about after the NHL suspended its The biggest question of all is whether a Stanley Cup will be awarded this season on Thursday due to the spreading coronavirus. According to year? If so, will we be placing an asterisk next to the eventual winner? various reports, commissioner Gary Bettman has already asked teams to Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.13.2020 look into building availability through the middle of summer.

It’s one of the many possibilities — and there are an infinite number of them — floating around the NHL offices on what comes next in this great unknown.

Bettman was hopeful that a Stanley Cup would still be awarded this year. If so, will teams still play 82 regular season games or will they dive straight into the playoffs?

If it’s the latter, then how will the playoff spots be determined? Will there be a play-in format for the wild card seeds? Could the NHL open up the playoffs to an additional two or four teams? Will the standings as you see them today be the determining factor?

As Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press noted on Twitter, this might be the only time when it’s appropriate to use the phrase, “if the season ended today.”

Here is what we know: if the season did end today, there would be mass confusion.

We’ve had lockout-shortened seasons before, but nothing quite like this. We’re in unchartered territory. As of Thursday, some teams had played 71 games and others had played 68. That’s a huge difference in a season where only three points separate the five teams battling for the two wild card spots in the Eastern Conference standings.

After defeating Edmonton on Wednesday night in what might have been the final game of the regular season, Winnipeg pushed Vancouver out of a wild card spot in the West. But because the Canucks have played two less games, they actually have a better winning percentage than the Jets.

Of course, no one knows what criteria the NHL might use if that really was the final game of the regular season.

There’s so much we don’t know and so much that we won’t know. Every hour — much less day —brings a new set of developments.

On Monday, teams had made dressing rooms off-limits. Two days later, the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets had decided on playing games in front of empty buildings. And then on Thursday, following a positive test for COVID-19 in the NBA, came the scenario everyone had been dreading: the NHL placed its season on indefinite hiatus.

The league is hopeful that this is just a temporary interruption in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus, but no one can be sure when — or if — hockey will be played again or what it will look like when it eventually resumes.

If this ends up being nothing more than a second bye week, then it could soon be business as usual. Anything longer, however, could threaten to disrupt the season in a way we’ve never seen before, especially if teams are unable to practice.

Maybe the league will hold a mini-training camp to get players up to speed. Maybe there won’t be enough time for that. Maybe the next time hockey is played it will be Game 1 of the playoffs.

For the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have lost more man-games to injury than any other team in the NHL, this could be a chance to get healthy. The same goes for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who could have an extra week or more to get Steven Stamkos healthy in time for the playoffs. Vancouver no longer has to rush goalie Jacob Markstrom back into the lineup. 1180749 Toronto Maple Leafs With 10 games scheduled for Thursday already scrapped, NHL owners face immediate financial losses. But since players aren’t paid once post- season games begin, the barons will want to salvage lucrative playoff dates to save their bottom lines. Financial bleeding could affect NHL 'pauses' season after positive coronavirus tests in NBA everything from next year’s salary cap, which was projected to rise, to contract decisions that teams have already made heading to the

scheduled July 1 start of free agency and the league’s new fiscal year. Lance Hornby Revenue sharing for needy clubs is also at risk.

As things ground to a halt early Thursday, five clubs were already stranded having arrived in visiting cities Wednesday night. In Toronto, the Welcome to the National Hiatus League. Nashville Predators gear was stacked outside the room, the players eventually returning to the airport. The rest of the 2019-20 NHL regular season schedule is suspended — or ‘paused’ in the lexicon of commissioner Gary Bettman — while the fate of Jets Governor Mark Chipman says players will be paid while at home, the final standings, playoff formats and timing of the Stanley Cup final are adding he’s supplied the NHL with July dates for his building. up in the air. NHL on-ice officials scheduled to work Thursday’s games were told to The decision to halt play because of the worsening COVID-19 pandemic book flights home as the day wore on. came after Bettman and the 31 board of governors held a long conference call Thursday, the day after one and possibly two NBA Tight races in the standings are in limbo. In the Eastern Conference, players contracted the disease and that league became the first of many Washington, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh were separated by four points to put the brakes on its schedule. For the NHL, early optimistic guesses at the top of the Metropolitan Division, while five in the hunt for two on a resumption of play were anywhere from two weeks off — which wildcards — Carolina, Columbus, the Islanders, Rangers and Florida — health authorities have been urging as a minimal quarantine period — to are divided by just three. a month or more. The top of the Central and Pacific Divisions had two and three-point If there’s no improvement in the bigger picture, which of course takes differentials respectively, including Alberta rivals Edmonton and Calgary precedence, the rest of the season might not be played, while the best being four points apart. Winnipeg, Nashville, Vancouver and Minnesota outcome could see remaining games and playoffs wrapping up in late are bunched three apart in the Western wildcard chase. June or perhaps early July. Bettman’s statement ended with “our goal is Any dates that get pushed back could alter the timing of other league to resume as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be events in June, such as awards night in Las Vegas and the scouting able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup.” combine in Buffalo. With no revised schedule being offered by the league, players were While Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl was comfortably ahead of teammate being urged not to congregate, train or travel, other than to go home on Connor McDavid by 13 points in the Art Ross Trophy race, three players Thursday, underlining how difficult it is to monitor a virus with more than were coming up on 50 goals for the Rocket Richard Trophy. Alex 100,000 cases worldwide that’s still growing and taking lives. Ovechkin of Washington and Boston’s David Pastrnak were sitting on 48 “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts with Auston Matthews one behind, trying to become the first Leaf since and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments ’93-94 to reach that milestone. without taking premature or unnecessary measures,” Bettman said. For some injured stars, a lengthy delay might work in their favour. Steven “However, following last night’s news that an NBA player (Utah Jazz Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning underwent core muscle surgery Rudy Gobert) tested positive — and given that our leagues share so recently and was not expected back until some time in April. Leading many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some scorer Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche was to miss a member of the NHL community would test positive at some point — it is week or two with a lower-body injury. no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time.” This would be the NHL’s first in-season interruption since the players’ There were 189 games remaining in a schedule of 1,271, with strike in early April of 1991-92. That 10-day disruption did not take away approximately 85% completed. TSN reported no clubs on Thursday’s call from an 80-game schedule, the playoffs proceeded and the Cup opposed the motion to stop play. The NHL’s southern venues or those tournament wrapped June 1. with the biggest multi-use schedule of concerts and other events would be most at risk for bad ice the longer games are paused. “Guys were worried that season was going to be completely cancelled,” recalled Leafs broadcaster Bob McGill, who was with the Wings at the This year’s calendar is favourable in that the regular season was to end time. “Because it was a strike, we couldn’t get our equipment at the rink April 4, and playoffs were to wrap up by June 13. That’s at least two to skate. But it got worked out.” weeks to work with before the worrisome notion of playing in the July heat becomes reality and the scheduling of the draft in Montreal June 26- Three other seasons were delayed by league-invoked lockouts with ’04- 27 is impacted. But again, no one knows what course the pandemic will 05 not played at all. That was the only time the Cup was not awarded, take. other than the 1919 influenza pandemic that stopped the final between Seattle and Montreal and resulted in the death of Canadiens’ Joe Hall a Spectators could still be barred from attending games even if they are re- few days later. scheduled. Right behind the NHL’s decision to stop came the minor clubs in the The NHL Players Association released its own statement saying it American Hockey League. Many other sports leagues in North America supported “the league’s appropriate course of action. The players are and Europe halted their activities in the past 24 hours, including Major looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of fans League Baseball, Major League Soccer and the National Lacrosse everywhere.’ League. Yet what happens to teams on the playoff bubble which needed the In Toronto, regular Scotiabank Arena game day employees came to work remaining games to qualify, is a huge question mark. Could seeding be to hear the tough news about Thursday’s game against Nashville being determined by points percentage as of March 11, might there be a small cancelled and maybe the entire season getting scrubbed. Later in the play-in tournament for those on the cusp of a spot and perhaps a day, despite the loss of Leafs, Raptors, TFC and SBA concert business, shortened best-of-five series in the first round? Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment announced a program to In 1994-95, when the first of three NHL lockouts resulted in a four-month compensate around 4,000 part-time and event staff. No ticket refund delay to late January and a 48-game schedule, playoffs began May 6 information was included as the games aren’t yet scrubbed. and ran to June 24. BETTMAN’S FULL STATEMENT At the #ScotiabankArena – #NBA suspended possibly #NHL per “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and announcement later today #COVID19 #Raptors #Leafs arenas dormant after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of pic.twitter.com/Pj941l54KH the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing — Jack Boland (@TorSunphoto21) March 12, 2020 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.”

Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180750 Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t know — and has been coaching a peewee team with Jimmy Lorentz, son of the former Sabres broadcast analyst.

For the first time in seven years he dared venture into an NHL arena in What happened to Sabres star Tim Connolly? After 7 years, he’s ready to February 2019, dropping into Barclays Center to witness Edmonton explain Oilers star Connor McDavid play live. In a building filled with New York Islanders fans, nobody recognized their fifth overall 1999 draft choice.

All of that felt satisfactory enough that one month ago Connolly returned Tim Graham Mar 12, 2020 to KeyBank Center for the first time as a civilian. As part of the Sabres’ golden-anniversary season, he attended a 2000s night celebration and

reunited with a handful of his buddies. They swapped tales and volleyed names from the past, as hockey guys “I hadn’t seen Timmy in the longest time,” said Jason Pominville, the do. Like cards flipped onto the table, a long-ago memory gets tossed out teammate Connolly assisted on the score sheet 35 times, more than any for discussion, then trumped by a trivia question only to be one-upped by other player. “He was not an easy guy to get ahold of. It was good to see an inside joke. him again.” Around and around it went last summer for Lindy Ruff and old Buffalo Connolly hung out a few hours in a No. 19 anniversary sweater. He Sabres teammates Mike Ramsey, Mike Foligno and Larry Playfair. posed for photos with his guys, did a quick interview scrum with A name arose that stumped them all. reporters, signed autographs for fans, got folks caught up somewhat on his whereabouts. “Whatever happened to Tim Connolly?” Ruff asked them. “Where is he now?” Yet he has remained mostly incommunicado. He can’t return Ryan Miller’s texts? Connolly was a scintillating playmaker, destined for the NHL before he could get a driver’s license. He stickhandled around the world’s elite “Yeah, I fell off the grid,” said Connolly, sliding into a booth last week in defensemen for 13 years, nine with the Sabres. the Pittsford Pub, a restaurant close to his house. He wore a Syracuse University toque and a black hoodie with his peewee team’s logo. Ruff was his coach the entire time. Foligno’s son, Marcus, competed in Sabres training camps with Connolly. Playfair is the Sabres’ alumni “I owe a lot of people texts.” relations director. Over bottles of Miller Lite and some parmesan-garlic wings, Connolly sat “Nobody knew what he was doing,” Ruff recalled a few days ago. “You down for his first extended interview in at least seven years to explain never saw him around.” what happened to him, how he handled being the Michael Peca consolation prize, his adoration of Buffalo, his fears about his concussion Ruff paused. history and finally coming back around to the game he loves.

“Do you know what he’s up to?” he asked. “How’s he doing?” “I was disconnected for a while,” said Connolly, 38, “and it may have dragged on too far. I guess I wasn’t happy with the way it ended, and I Not even Connolly’s contemporaries are sure. just wanted to get away from the game. Ryan Miller, the Vezina Trophy goaltender, lived with him in Buffalo. “But hockey is pretty much my life and what I know. That’s why I’m back. Miller moved into Connolly’s waterfront condo to be a daily presence I have to do something. I’m too young to sit around.” while Connolly recovered from a concussion that lasted nearly the entire 2006-07 season. A cool statistic accompanies Connolly’s first NHL goal. In just his second game, Connolly, at 18 years, five months and three days, became the Their bond atrophied anyway. youngest player to score on Patrick Roy. “I couldn’t even tell you,” Miller said last week of the last time they’d “I have never heard that,” Connolly said, sitting suddenly upright. spoken. “Tell him to text me. I miss him.” Memories of the goal, though, are carved in his mind. It was Connolly’s Connolly vanished from hockey when he retired from the Toronto Maple second game, the Islanders’ 1999-00 home opener versus the Colorado Leafs seven years ago, injuries having raked his slick athleticism and Avalanche. calculating mind. “I was fresh out of high school,” Connolly said. “Mark Lawrence got the The Maple Leafs waived him in January 2013, but no NHL club wanted puck, coming down the left wing. He dropped it off the boards to me. I his $4 million salary. At 31 years old he went to a place he’d never been, was coming in behind him. I cut across the ice, made a couple fakes. demoted to the minor leagues to satisfy his contract. “Chris Drury was on the ice. I made a quick deke on him, and he went “It’s too bad how it ended for him,” former Sabres center Daniel Briere sliding by me on his knees. I was outside the top of the circles, and there said. “He could have done so much more if he didn’t get hurt.” might have been a little goalie interference from Gino Odjick, but I was That spring, Connolly didn’t announce a retirement. The Syracuse Post- able to fire it top shelf against Patrick Roy, who was one of my favorite Standard, his hometown newspaper, couldn’t track his whereabouts or players growing up.” learn which way he was leaning. The headline called it a “secretive Connolly barely was an adult, but he was known for playing a mature crossroads,” and “the latest murky point of conjecture in a career colored game from the time he was an adolescent. He appeared in the all too heavily by them.” prestigious Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament three times. He merely wandered off, wealthy but embittered by eroded opportunities. As a 16-year-old, one of only 31 in the Ontario Hockey League that Two diagnosed concussions, hip surgery, two cracked vertebrae, a season, he led his peers with 30 goals and 32 assists in 59 games for the broken rib, a leg stress fracture, a bad shoulder, assorted other injuries Erie Otters. He played just 46 games the next season, but recorded 34 never specified, gobs of media scrutiny and zero Stanley Cups. goals and 34 assists, 12th in the entire league and easily best among 17- Miller admitted he can’t say for sure because they haven’t interacted for year-olds. so long, but he has theories about Connolly’s disappearance. “There was never a question he was going to the NHL,” said Otters “There’s a mental wear and tear, a physical wear and tear,” Miller said. general manager Sherry Bassin. “Chicken Little would have to pull the “Some of these guys have paid that price, and Timmy paid a bigger price string and the sky would have to fall for him not to make it. than most, taking an impact and dealing with the fallout. “Sometimes I wonder with younger players, but he was ready. He was “Emotionally, hockey just might be triggering.” extremely adaptable.”

Connolly, however, is beginning to turn up now and again. Connolly survived his first NHL training camp and not only made the rebuilding Islanders’ roster, but he also finished third in scoring with 14 Turns out he lives with his wife and 2-year-old son in suburban goals and 20 assists. That included beating Martin Brodeur three times Rochester — a fact many of his closest ex-teammates and certainly Ruff and Dominik Hasek once in addition to Roy. Still a willowy teen throughout his second season, he led all Islanders Briere called Connolly “by far” the Sabres’ top offensive-skill player of the forwards in ice time at 20:02 a game while recording 10 goals and 31 2000s and one of the three best he ever played with. assists. When it came to puck-handling, Briere put Connolly on the same level as “We were the worst team in the league,” Connolly said. “That was tough. a legend whose name is an Urban Dictionary adjective (“Datsyukian: But at 18 and 19, I was just happy to be playing in the NHL.” When your moves are so amazing beyond reason, the only way to describe them is datsyukian. Origin: From the Detroit Red Wings forward That 2000-01 season in Buffalo was volatile. The Sabres made their Pavel Datsyuk, who has the best hands and moves in all of sports”). second legitimate Stanley Cup run in three years. Bum luck stopped them one goal from the Eastern Conference finals, where they would “His skill was just exceptional,” former Sabres winger Ales Kotalik said. have faced the New Jersey Devils. The Sabres outscored the Devils 15-3 “When you had a chance to watch him every single day in practice, you in a regular-season series sweep. were stunned with the skill this guy had.

Absent from the Sabres all season was center Michael Peca, a.k.a “Fans had a chance to see it just in the games, but for us it was Captain Crunch, the perennial Selke Award candidate. Peca was a unbelievable. He was one of the most skilled guys not just that I played restricted free agent, and Sabres management refused to pay what he with, but that I ever saw.” sought. So he rotted. A goal they still talk about in Buffalo happened in November 2005 versus Repercussions were massive. Peca might have proven the difference Toronto. that postseason, and Hasek was so aggravated about the front office’s intransigence that the six-time (and reigning) Vezina Trophy winner Connolly was zipping over the goat head logo at center ice when he took demanded a trade. an outlet pass from Teppo Numminen and skated alone over the blue line. So alone, in fact, that Connolly found himself surrounded by Toronto “I’m surprised those years they had Hasek they didn’t just build a defensemen Ken Klee and Aki Berg ahead, forwards Jeff O’Neill and powerhouse around him,” Connolly said. “He was the best player in the Darcy Tucker behind. world and at the most important position, and they played a defensive style. Connolly faked a pass at the top of the left circle, pulled the puck behind him and slid it through his own skates to himself. The move “I’m no GM, but I would have gone all-in to build a dominant, all-around dumbfounded Klee, giving Connolly a path around him and to the net. team.” Numminen trailed into the slot, but Berg slid on his stomach to deny that setup. Hasek ran out of patience; Buffalo ran out of time. At the bottom of the circle and seemingly out of options, Connolly Hands forced, the Sabres went into rebuild mode just as the Islanders showed forehand to goalie Ed Belfour and lifted a backhand shot high decided to make a push. Among the blockbuster moves Islanders GM under the cross bar for his 50th career goal. Mike Milbury made was acquiring Peca for Connolly and left wing Taylor Pyatt, three months younger and drafted three spots later than Connolly “You see some of the highlight goals and think, ‘Oh, my God! How did he in 1999. even think about doing that?’ ” Pominville said. “His creativity, his stickhandling was within the elites of the league, within the best I’ve Six days later, Hasek strongarmed his way to the Detroit Red Wings, seen. Pretty surreal.” slamming the door on a glorious hockey era in Buffalo. At a time when NHL referees allowed players to maul each other, Sabres fans were accustomed to watching their team grind out victories Connolly’s skills didn’t always translate into production. with Hasek, heart-and-soul forwards Peca, Curtis Brown and Stu Barnes, lockdown defensemen Rhett Warrener and Jay McKee and fighters such Take 2002-03, a disastrous season in which public resentment reached a as Rob Ray, Matthew Barnaby and Brad May. Even the purest offensive crescendo and Connolly’s contributions cratered. player came with a diabolical name: Miroslav Satan. “I don’t know what went wrong,” Connolly said. “Pretty much everything, I Now here was a pair of cherub-faced moppets who didn’t forecheck guess. I just felt nothing was going right and it just kept building and opponents through the boards. building.”

Connolly had heavy Western New York ties, his father having grown up Against the backdrop of federal agents arresting Sabres owner John in Kenmore and graduated from Canisius High. Even so, he was the Rigas — the man who, ultimately, refused to pay Peca — and two of his antithesis of what Buffalo fans hollered for, all fancy with his slippery sons in July 2003 for siphoning money from Adelphia Communications, dangling and whatnot. Pyatt boasted the coveted two-way size of Todd the Sabres filed for bankruptcy, were taken over by the NHL and endured Bertuzzi but never played that way. The Buffalo News called them Tiny their worst season on the ice in 17 years. Tim and Taylor Quiet. Connolly’s output perhaps was the most inadequate of any Sabres Peca, meanwhile, won his second Selke that season. Hasek won his player. He laughed at the offer to go over his stats while sitting at the Stanley Cup. Pittsford Pub.

“It was terrible,” Warrener said. “It was really tough on the fans, who were “You can look it up later,” he said. not excited to lose a guy like Pecs. He was a blood-and-guts kind of guy. Pecs was pretty revered at the time. He had 12 goals and 13 assists. His minus-28 rating placed him 887th among the 888 skaters to play in the NHL that season. “Timmy was a completely different player, a skilled guy who put up points. It was a different role, and I don’t know that the fans ever really “It seemed every time I stepped on the ice,” Connolly said, “we got got behind that.” scored on. I couldn’t figure out what to do. It was just one of those things where you constantly think, ‘Oh, my gosh. Again?’ ” Connolly also was a prickly interview subject. He viewed the media as a distraction to his craft, a recurring disruption to enjoying the rink and his Connolly tried to reset himself when that nightmare season ended. Ruff teammates. Connolly’s answers were short and delivered with minimal had emphasized getting stronger to hold off defenders better, to take on eye contact. He often came off as dismissive, creating a deeper a heavier defensive role, to make the step from a blue-chip prospect to a divergence from Peca’s role as the go-to, postgame sage. foundational player.

While the public gave Connolly little leeway, he forced defenders to Instead of evolving, Connolly’s career was knocked off its rails. respect him. There are no available replays of the collision. The preseason exhibition Connolly’s 10 goals and 35 assists were third for Buffalo behind Satan in October 2003 wasn’t televised and occurred at Blue Cross Arena, a and Barnes. Those numbers won’t put a center on the Hart Trophy ballot, Rochester venue that hosts minor-league hockey. High-definition video but this was a kid navigating the Dead Puck Era on a team that stressed scoreboards weren’t the norm. defense first. Briere several years ago recalled the moment vividly, declaring Chicago Connolly’s talent was unmistakable. Blackhawks center Scott Nichol “was just out there to end somebody’s career.” “How to explain it?” Pominville asked rhetorically, incredulously. A throwaway game became significant when Connolly took a shot in the Miller realized how important it would be for Connolly to have consistent, slot. Nichol’s shoulder or elbow detonated Connolly’s jaw. After a wobbly personal interaction. journey to the Sabres’ bench, Connolly didn’t skate in another game that season. “You could see things weighing on him and how his day-to-day life was affected by those concussions,” Miller said. “He had long stretches where Headaches plagued him for months. He couldn’t concentrate enough to you could tell it was depressing.” read. The brightness of television screens forced him to look away. A specialist in January 2007 asked Connolly about a neck MRI. Connolly Three weeks after suffering his first concussion, the Sabres took him on replied he hadn’t undergone one. a six-game, 10-day road trip so they could monitor his rehabilitation. He experienced headaches on the flight from Buffalo to Edmonton and the The scan showed a protruding disc was hitting a nerve, an alternative flight from Calgary to Vancouver. diagnosis for his anguish.

Connolly noted he at least didn’t have a headache during the flight from “I got shots in my neck to see if that’s what it was,” Connolly said. “Within Edmonton to Calgary. That’s when the Sabres decided to send him two minutes, my headaches were gone, and I felt totally normal. I should home; the team had taken a bus. not have missed even half the season.”

“I just had to be in a dark room,” Connolly said. “I tried to get out and But he missed all but the final two regular-season games because the walk around and do stuff, but for the most part you didn’t really want to recurring headaches prevented him from skating. He was woefully out of do anything. It’s the exact opposite of the way I live my life. It was not a shape. very happy time.” The Sabres won the President’s Trophy that year without him and hoped Recovery was grueling, the entire 2003-04 a washout. Then a lockout his return would help them avenge their postseason-ending calamity from vaporized the 2004-05 NHL season. Aside from 16 games in a year earlier. Switzerland, he went two years without a meaningful game. Ottawa overwhelmed Buffalo in the Eastern Conference finals and won What Connolly couldn’t have known over those two wretched years is easily in five games. Connolly in 16 playoff games had no goals but nine that sweeping NHL changes would make him one of the game’s premium assists and was a plus-6 while averaging almost 17 minutes. producers and convert Buffalo into a Stanley Cup contender. The possible misdiagnosis on Connolly’s second concussion gives him Post-lockout rules created a hockey wonderland for slick players, who no hope he won’t experience cognition issues as he gets older. longer were allowed to be hooked from behind or tackled. They had room “I see all the cases now of CTE and how bad they are,” Connolly said. “I to dazzle. mean, you can either dwell on it or just live your life. I’m going to choose Connolly turned more dangerous than he’d ever been. New York to live my life.” Rangers defenseman Darius Kasparaitis’ controversial hip check — Ruff His former teammates are concerned. Connolly said he has been called it dirty — sent him to injured reserve with a partially torn knee diagnosed with only the two concussions, but conceded he’s unsure if he ligament, but Connolly was otherwise unstoppable in 2005-06. might have had others before he reached the NHL.

In 63 regular-season games, he scored 16 goals and added 39 assists. Regardless, the darkness that enveloped him during those two The Hockey News edition that projected Olympic rosters put Connolly on concussions was chilling even at a time when substantially less was its cover. He was Buffalo’s nominee for the Masterton Trophy for known about the long-term affects of repeated head trauma. perseverance and dedication to hockey. “I look back on it and I worry about how hard some of the players were “He brought us over the edge when he was part of our lineup,” Briere getting hit,” Ruff said. “You only see a few of those checks now, but back said. then, almost every game there was one or two of those.

Connolly was Buffalo’s hottest player in the postseason, his first “Vaclav Varada was running someone over every night. You wonder how experience in the tournament. In the opening round, he amassed three hurt that player’s going to be.” goals, including a winner, and five assists to expel the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. Connolly’s concussion history made his disappearance in recent years more disconcerting for many who know him. The series opener against the top-seeded Ottawa Senators is one of the greatest games in Sabres playoff history, and Connolly was the hero. He Estranged mates contemplate how he’s coping, whether he’s content. scored a short-handed goal in the second period and contributed the lone “You’re scared for him, for sure,” Miller said. “You don’t want him to be in assist on Derek Roy’s short-handed goal in the third. that boat like (Marc) Savard or (Johan) Franzen, who can’t even function Eleven seconds until the end of the third period, Connolly struck to force right now because he has so many problems. overtime, where the Sabres won 7-6. “It’s something that happened in a hockey game, and you hope it just “You knew he was the guy who would always make a play,” Kotalik said. gets better over time, but sometimes it doesn’t. It’s a scary realization for “If you were patient and trusted him, then his confidence went way up. a lot of us.” He knew the team counted on his playmaking.” Connolly already is haunted by a concussion consequence that never will Then the lights went out again. go away.

This hit was clean. Senators winger Peter Schaefer, with just 200 penalty He lied when he returned to KeyBank Center for 2000s night and was minutes in his nine-season NHL career, leveled Connolly with a neutral- asked about it. Diplomacy seemed prudent at the time. zone check in the second period of Game 2. Connolly had the puck, but Maybe it was the third Miller Lite talking, or perhaps he felt more his head was down. Schaefer led with his shoulder. comfortable in a restaurant booth than in front of the cameras and Connolly’s postseason was done. The Sabres ousted the Senators in five microphones once more, but he does think that second head injury games, but succumbed to an absurd rash of defenseman injuries in prevented Buffalo from winning its first Stanley Cup. Game 7 against the Carolina Hurricanes. “There are two ways to look at it,” Connolly said. “One is the way I have Afflicted for months by more headaches and other unsettling symptoms, answered it: ‘Woulda, shoulda, coulda. What’s the point of looking back Connolly’s recovery lasted far into the 2006-07 season. now and dwelling on it? The guys made a great run and came up one goal shy of the Stanley Cup finals.’ “Headaches kept getting worse up the back of my head,” said Connolly, tapping his neck from near the right ear up to his crown. “The other way to answer what I really believe: Yes, I would have made a difference. Is that proper for me to say? I don’t know.” The Sabres feared he could miss another full season like he did after the Nichol concussion. Connolly said failing to win a Stanley Cup is the omission on his resume. He can handle not making the 2006 Olympic team or not accumulating Miller at the time needed a temporary place to stay until his new house personal hardware. A championship is his nagging regret. was ready and moved in with Connolly. A brief stay grew extended once “He could have made a tremendous difference for our team,” Ruff said. “I was put in a position I didn’t really care for,” Connolly said, “third-line “You take a player like that out of your lineup … He could have been the left wing.” difference-maker for us. Tim was good at setting up that one good chance or finishing off that one good chance when needed.” A lockout erased half of the 2012-13 season. Randy Carlyle, the Leafs’ new coach, didn’t believe Connolly had much to offer. Connolly was Connolly’s love for Buffalo probably cost him a later Stanley Cup. dispatched to their American Hockey League affiliate, skating out the remainder of his contract. He revealed a trade was in place at the 2009 deadline to send him to Chicago, which insisted on a one-year contract extension so that he He discussed retirement with his father. His girlfriend, Jeanne DePartout, wouldn’t become a free agent that summer. Instead, Connolly negotiated whom he had dated back in suburban Syracuse and reunited with after a two-year extension to stay in Buffalo. he signed with Toronto, was supportive either way.

Chicago won the 2010 Stanley Cup. Connolly informed agent J.P. Barry not to bother trying to find him another team. He likely would have earned his name’s engraving on the hallow trophy because post-lockout Connolly was magical. From 2005-06 through “I played because I loved it until it became a job,” Connolly said. “Then it 2009-10, he was among the NHL’s top producers. was time to go.

Among those who played at least 200 games over that span, Connolly “It becomes a job with the accumulation of years and training and ranked 38th at 0.89 points per game. physical therapy and trying to do physio while you’re training over the summer. After 14 years of that, my body’d had enough. I just decided “When he was dialed in,” Miller said, “he was a big part of the team. that was it for me.” When he was healthy and feeling good about himself, you were feeling pretty good about your chances.” So Connolly, who had skipped right from juniors to the NHL, played his final pro game in the minors, evaporated from the public eye and, Connolly also became one of Ruff’s most reliable penalty killers and a apparently, didn’t return many texts. player who could gravitate to any line at center or the wing. What did he do the past seven years? Aside from golfing, traveling with “Tim had everything,” Ruff said. “I recall conversations I had with him Jeanne and starting a family together, not a whole lot. about the game. He’d be deep in thought. His knowledge of the game was real good. He understood.” “I thought it would be fun in the sun, get to travel around and not sit in a hotel room, go to all these fun places, tour Europe,” Connolly said. “I did Ruff’s lone criticism of Connolly — aside from not having a grown-man’s all that stuff, but now what do you do?” body upon arriving in 2001 — was a reluctance to shoot. He thought his house on Skaneateles Lake would be a superb retirement Connolly knows he should have shot more, but he simply wasn’t wired spot, but they got bored there. The Connollys moved to Florida, but that that way. He loved to set up his teammates for better chances. didn’t feel like home, either. They decided upon suburban Rochester He is one of just 33 players in NHL history to have scored at least 55 because it splits their Syracuse and Buffalo affections, and he long has points while shooting under 100 times. He did so over 63 games in 2005- been an Oak Hill Country Club member. 06. Only 14 of those players scored more than Connolly’s 16 goals. Connolly took up coaching peewees two seasons ago as a favor to “Incredible,” Ruff mumbled at the stat. Lorentz.

Martin Biron, the former Sabres backup goaltender, marvels at how “Coaching 12-year-olds is harder than playing a game,” Connolly said. mystifying Connolly’s shot was in practice. “I’m more exhausted because the adrenaline is flowing the entire time and you can’t control the outcome. Linemates did not mind Connolly’s pass-first approach as much as Ruff did. “I played long enough and made a decent living to where there’s no pressure to do anything else, really. Getting through this season is what “As a winger who liked to shoot and get into soft areas and find scoring I’m focused on right now. I’ve always just lived day to day, really.” position,” Pominville said, “you couldn’t ask for a better linemate to play with. If he has a chance to shoot or pass, most likely he’s going to pass He made somewhere around $30 million, but didn’t attain the career it.” heights many were envisioning before he needed to shave.

Said Kotalik: “I just had to find a spot, and he would find me with the “People always wanted him to do more,” Miller said. “Somebody could puck. The time I played with him was the most fun I ever had in the NHL.” always do more. I could have butterflied three-tenths of a second earlier and overtime would have continued in the gold-medal game, but it didn’t Those who enjoyed watching Connolly ponder how much his career happen. trajectory would have changed had he come along five years later, when the NHL implemented rules and philosophies that tempered goonery and “There’s always something more you could have done. I thought Timmy emphasized offensive conjurers. was always trying to do his best. That’s where the respect lies, with what he was able to create and help produce and contribute to great teams in “If Timmy Connolly is drafted 10 years later,” Warrener said, “he’s still Buffalo. playing and putting up 100 points a year.” “It’s unfortunate it takes so many years to gain the altitude to have the Connolly badly wanted to remain with the Sabres when his contract was perspective.” up in 2011. He said he offered to return for one year at $2.5 million although he knew he would command many times that on the open Miller was referring to fans and media needing so much time to put market. Connolly’s career in proper context. When it comes to Connolly needing years to process the end of a career, Miller is empathetic. “They said no,” Connolly said. “They went out and spent on Ville Leino and whoever else they got.” The Anaheim Ducks backup goalie is 39 years old and the last member of those back-to-back Eastern Conference finals teams still playing in the Toronto, having whiffed on signing center Brad Richards, targeted NHL. He’s unsure how he’ll handle leaving the game. Granted, Miller has Connolly next with a two-year contract worth $9 million. Interest was squeezed more out of his system than most, but he can forgive Connolly mutual given Toronto’s desire to have him center its top line. for needing to get lost for a few years.

The decision looked sensational at the start. Connolly had 12 points in as “I got kind of distant, away from the game,” Connolly said. “I started living many games. He posted six goals and nine assists through 18 games, my life outside the game. seven goals and 15 assists through 28 games. “But it is good to reconnect, and I still have to text Ryan Miller back. It’s But a couple of injuries cost him the top-line job, and he never got it back. been a while.” Leafs coach Ron Wilson moved Tyler Bozak between wingers Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Connolly’s power-play time dwindled. The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180751 Vegas Golden Knights It’s secondary at the moment, but it will be interesting to see whether the coronavirus changes the team’s open-practice policy for fans in the future.

What happens now that the NHL postponed its season? Can T-Mobile Arena host summer hockey?

Sure, why not? Other than Justin Bieber and Bon Jovi concerts in June and a few other dates, the schedule appears open. By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal Whether the ice surface holds up in 115-degree heat could be an issue, March 12, 2020 - 6:34 PM however.

Updated March 12, 2020 - 7:49 PM In what way does this impact the Knights going forward?

On the ice, the Knights endured long-term injuries to leading scorers Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone, each of whom is listed as week to week. The When the SARS outbreak occurred in 2003, Buffalo Sabres defensemen break enables them to heal, along with players such as Chandler Brian Campbell and Rhett Warrener were isolated for multiple days after Stephenson (upper body) and Alex Tuch (lower body). possible exposure to the respiratory virus. But how much time would the Knights and others need to get back in Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby was one of several players who shape? A week? contracted the mumps in 2014, the first of two incidents in a three-year span when the silent-movie era disease popped up across the NHL. Of course, the effect of the salary cap remains unknown.

But those incidents pale in comparison to the response to the What are the financial implications? coronavirus pandemic, which included the NHL postponing its season as part of a near shutdown across the sports world. The postponement potentially means lost wages for workers at T-Mobile Arena, and ticket holders are being asked by the team to remain patient The decision will have lasting effects for future generations of fans with while future schedule plans are determined by the NHL. widespread social, political and economic implications. At the moment, the Knights do not plan to refund tickets for games that So what happens now? go on as scheduled.

Golden Knights owner Bill Foley indicated his and the other 30 Foley also said there would be no layoffs from the Knights’ staff as a organizations would get more direction from the NHL next week. result of the stoppage.

Until then, the league’s move to hit the pause button is shrouded in “We’ll take care of everyone,” he said. “If we have to make financial uncertainty and raises more questions than can be answered at the sacrifices, we’ll make it.” moment. How about the Knights’ prospects? What happens to the rest of the season? The American Hockey League is on hiatus, and the Chicago Wolves The NHL said it hopes to complete the regular season and award the postponed their eight remaining home games. The Canadian Hockey Stanley Cup but offered no indication when play would resume. League, which oversees the three major-junior leagues, also paused its schedule. Will the rest of the regular season schedule be completed, or will the current standings be used to determine the postseason participants? And The NCAA canceled all winter and spring championships, and it’s unclear once the playoffs begin, will they use five-game series or the traditional how that affects the Knights’ ability to sign someone such as Providence best-of-seven? sophomore Jack Dugan.

The Knights sit atop the Pacific Division standings by points (86) and Knights scouts are impacted ahead of the NHL draft because of the points percentage (.606) with 11 games remaining. cancellation of the under-18 world championships that were scheduled for April. And how will the draft order be determined? That remains to be Since not every team has played the same number of games, it makes seen, too. sense to use points percentage to settle the top eight seeds. As it stands, Nashville and Vancouver each has a .565 points percentage in 69 games and would make a nice series opponent for the Knights. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.13.2020 But there are five teams separated by three points in the Eastern Conference fighting for a wild card. Winnipeg, which has the top wild- card spot in the West with 80 points, would be eliminated from postseason consideration based on points percentage.

Would the NHL consider postseason play-in games in the interest of fairness?

What about the players?

The Knights flew back from Minnesota on Thursday after their game was postponed, and Foley said the message to players was go home, stay with friends and family and wait for direction.

Foley said the Knights would receive more direction from the league next week specifying when players will have access to team facilities.

Players still would be paid March 31, according to Foley.

Will City National Arena remain open?

Unclear for now. A quick phone call to the facility Thursday afternoon went unanswered.

“We’re detoxing the entire locker room at T-Mobile Arena and the entire practice facility at City National Arena,” Foley said. “We’re making sure we’re sanitary and taking extra precautions.” 1180752 Vegas Golden Knights Eleven cities have teams from each league that share arenas. Gobert and the Jazz visited three of those venues recently in New York, Boston and Detroit. They also recently hosted the Toronto Raptors, who share a building with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Golden Knights will ‘take care of everyone’ during NHL suspension The NHL’s decision caused the American Hockey League to follow suit Thursday. The Chicago Wolves, the Knights’ minor league affiliate, postponed their final eight regular-season home games and the league By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal suspended play. March 12, 2020 - 7:42 am The NHL’s and AHL’s choices follow that of several European leagues to Updated March 12, 2020 - 6:34 PM cancel the remainder of their seasons. Two NHL teams — the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets — were planning to play without fans present until Thursday’s decision.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Sticks have been put away. Equipment bags have The season’s suspension could carry immeasurable economic been packed. consequences. Teams will lose revenue from tickets, parking and concessions if regular-season games are lost. In-arena staff could lose The NHL is going away, and there’s no telling when it might come back. wages. The league suspended its season indefinitely Thursday, approximately Foley said the Knights will “take care of everyone” in regard to tickets and 16 hours after the NBA halted play because Utah Jazz center Rudy staff. Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. “If we have to make financial sacrifices, we’ll make it,” Foley said. “We’ll The NHL Players’ Association said it supported the decision, which has give season tickets a credit or something. There won’t be any layoffs in left innumerable questions in its wake and few answers. All practices and our hockey operations. I’m viewing this as a two- to three-week transition team meetings also have been suspended. period until we can evaluate the situation.” What is clear is that the league hopes to hit “play” on this season again. Lost revenue also could affect the escrow withdrawn from players’ Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement the NHL’s goal “is to salaries and potentially the salary cap for next season. 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.” If play does resume, the Knights wouldn’t have to adjust much. T-Mobile Arena’s summer schedule is light. The Golden Knights were in Minnesota to play the Wild on Thursday when the decision was made. They did not hold their morning skate, per One three-day event is scheduled in April, two concerts are scheduled in NHL recommendations, while the league prepared its response. May and June, and nothing is on the calendar in July. That could make it easier to host extra hockey if regular-season or playoff games take place. The team flew back to Las Vegas on Thursday night. What the players do next is not immediately clear and may take time to sort out. No While Bettman still hopes to award the Cup, there is precedent for the announcements on when practices — let alone games — may resume NHL canceling its postseason. The 1919 Final was called off because of has been made. the Spanish influenza epidemic.

“Our message to the players was, ‘Go home for the weekend, take it The hope is not to do so again. easy and have as little contact with people as possible,’” Knights owner Bill Foley said. “Next week, we’ll get direction on practices or when they “We don’t know the extent of how far this is going to go, and we knew can work out. We’re detoxing the entire locker room at T-Mobile Arena more people are going to be infected,” Foley said. “I think the and the entire practice facility at City National Arena. We’re making sure commissioner did a great job being prudent and saying, ‘Let’s put this on we’re sanitary and taking extra precautions.” hold for the time being. Let’s not expose fans or players.’ ”

No Knights players were available for comment Thursday, but coach Here is Bettman’s full statement: Pete DeBoer said after Wednesday’s practice the team would support “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and any decision. after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of “I’m just trusting on the public end that there’s a lot of smart people that the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing are coming up with plans on what’s going to happen with all these today that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with tonight’s situations going forward, and we’re just going to take direction and games. follow,” DeBoer said. “There’s definitely some trepidation on everybody’s “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts part on what’s going to happen and what the ramifications are. That’s and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments human nature. But I think everyone’s comfortable that there’s a lot of without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following good people coming up with a plan for us here and the public, and we’ll last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus just wait and follow.” — and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms The Knights asked for patience from season ticket holders and fans with and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would tickets to their four remaining regular-season home games. test positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time. “We understand circumstances regarding the coronavirus are constantly evolving and very fluid,” the team said in a statement. “The NHL will be “We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we providing information regarding the remainder of the regular season, and will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to we will share those updates when appropriate. We are asking fans to take all reasonable precautions — including by self-quarantine, where hold their tickets while these future schedule plans are being determined appropriate. Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and by the NHL.” 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 The Knights are 39-24-8 and in first place in the Pacific Division with 11 you stay healthy.” regular-season games left. Here is the NHL Players Association’s full statement: The NHL has 189 games remaining, or approximately 15 percent of its schedule. The regular season was scheduled to end April 4, and the “The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 playoffs were expected to begin the week of April 6. pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time.

It was inevitable that those games would be delayed, at best, as soon as “The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation the NBA announced its decision Wednesday. There have been no and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants confirmed coronavirus cases in the NHL, but the leagues are closely and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are connected. looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.” Here is the Knights’ full initial statement:

“The NHL has announced the decision to pause the 2019-20 season beginning with Thursday night’s games. The NHL’s goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that the league will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup. The health and safety of our members, fans and our community as a whole is a top priority. As more information becomes available, we will share it with you.”

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180753 Vegas Golden Knights Jazz, which now has two players with confirmed cases of the coronavirus. That, too, could spread the illness.

“The health and safety of our members, fans and community as a whole Loss of games will have huge impact on Las Vegas, but our health is is a top priority,” the Golden Knights said in a statement. paramount Again, don’t get me wrong, this loss of games is devastating.

It sucks for the college basketball players who have waited their entire By Ray Brewer (contact) life to have that one shining moment in March Madness and are now trying to comprehend not getting the chance to participate. Think of all of Friday, March 13, 2020 | 2 a.m. the sweat equity and investment they put into their careers for nothing.

It’s a massive blow financially to Las Vegas, which annually sees March as its busiest month, in no small part because of the city’s popularity as Don’t overreact to the decisions that are causing major global sporting the place to watch and bet on the NCAA Tournament games. The money events to go dark. The decision-makers made the right call. those hundreds of thousands of visitors spend trickles down to those in It was the right call for the Las Vegas service industry worker who relies the service industry, meaning many families in Las Vegas will see a on tips and was counting on March Madness viewing parties for a much- decrease in income this year. And for an area where some are still needed spike in income. It was right for the parents who were excited to healing from the scars of the Great Recession, that decrease of income take their child to a Golden Knights game. It was right for the fan whose could reopen old wounds. We’re still awaiting word on the status of the college team was poised to make a championship run. NFL Draft in late-April, which is expected to bring upwards of 350,000 daily visitors and an economic impact of at least $200 million to Las The loss of games, without question, is devastating on many fronts. It’s a Vegas. reminder of the important role sports plays in our lives and the fabric of our great city, especially economically. In the past two days, the Golden Knights season has been put on hold, with the NHL saying “our goal is to resume play as soon as it is But games aren’t more important than life itself. appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup.” All games in the springs sports season for The sports world has hit pause on competition this week, as major UNLV have also been put on hold. Same for the , leagues across the globe and college basketball conferences across which canceled the Las Vegas Lights’ home opener on Saturday and will America suspended seasons and canceled tournaments to contain the put the season on hiatus for at least 30 days. outbreak of the novel coronavirus. It has infected more than 130,000 worldwide and claimed nearly 5,000 lives, and, unfortunately, it’s getting The Golden Knights eventually will be competing in the playoffs — worse each day. hopefully this season — and we’ll be watching and cheering as fanatically as ever. We need to take that same approach to containing It’s important to keep in mind that sports, even at the highest level of the the coronavirus in our community. Remember, sports are just a game. NHL or NBA, is nothing more than recreation. The purpose of playing is And, eventually, there will be another game to be part of. Let’s make sure no different than youth football or beer-league softball, which gives we are all healthy to take part in the festivities. participants and supporters a much-needed break from the grind of daily life and unites a community for the greater good.

The community could be the massive following of residents for the LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 03.13.2020 Golden Knights, or a group of 15 buddies and their families who play recreation basketball on Wednesdays at the local park.

The greater good has quickly become limiting the coronavirus outbreak to ensure all the fans who intended to support a team or players who would participate in an event are healthy and alive to do so when there is another game to be played. Let’s not forget how precious and valuable each and every life is in this world.

Canceling games and ending seasons is the only acceptable response to the global health emergency. Protecting athletes, fans, game-day staff and others is the only way to prevent the spread.

Two world-class, healthy athletes from the Utah Jazz, neither of whom had traveled out of the country, have tested positive for coronavirus. Why put others, including yourself, at risk?

“It is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in announcing the league’s suspension of play.

Some will say that leagues suspending or canceling their seasons, or college basketball conferences electing to not play their league tournaments, is an overreaction to the coronavirus panic. They insist these actions add to the hysteria.

That is silly — says science. Sport will always exist and there will be other seasons. Winning games and championships is important, don’t get me wrong, but it pales in comparison to human life.

Three new presumptive cases of the coronavirus in Clark County were announced Thursday, bringing the total to eight in the Las Vegas area and 10 statewide. Imagine if an undiagnosed carrier of the coronavirus planned to attend a Golden Knights home game next week, inadvertently putting the health of thousands of fans at risk. Potentially, those thousands could take the virus back to their homes, work, schools and places of worship. This is exactly how a virus spreads out of control.

The NHL and NBA often share locker rooms in some arenas. Imagine if the Golden Knights were in the same road locker room used by the Utah 1180754 Vegas Golden Knights postseason standings to normalize the records of teams who have played a different number of games.

In that instance, the Golden Knights would be named Pacific Division What we know about the NHL’s suspended season champions and host the Nashville Predators as the top Wild Card team. The winner of that series would face the winner of the Edmonton Oilers- Vancouver Canucks series.

By Justin Emerson (contact) Will players be tested for coronavirus?

Friday, March 13, 2020 | 2 a.m. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daley told ESPN that it depends.

“At this point it’s a team-by-team thing,” he said. “Testing kits are controlled by local health organizations, and each state is allocated The NHL suspended its season. No more hockey. Now what? different amounts based on population and experience. At this point, the Not many specifics are known about the NHL’s decision, which will lead need for testing is greater than the supply of tests. That will start to to the largest block of missed games since the 2012-13 lockout. Plenty of change as manufacturers are ramping up production.” questions have yet to be answered, the largest of which is when the next The Golden Knights were unavailable to comment on their testing hockey game will be played. procedures. The Golden Knights missed their first game Thursday, as their road What are the players doing? game against the Minnesota Wild was one of 10 contests to be postponed on the first day of the NHL’s edict. The Golden Knights aren’t allowed to practice, hold team meetings or have team-related travel, according to multiple reports. They’re in a wait- “The health and safety of our members, fans and community as a whole and-see mode like most of us, and some were instructed to go home until is a top priority,” the Golden Knights said in a statement. “As more further notice. information becomes available, we will share it with you. Thank you in advance for your understanding.”

Here is what we know, and the questions still without answers. LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 03.13.2020 Is the season canceled?

No. The season has been put on a “pause,” to use the NHL’s words. There is no timetable for when the season will return, but the NHL was clear it wants to resume play and award a Stanley Cup.

“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,” the league said in a statement.

I have tickets for a scheduled Golden Knights home game. Will I get a refund?

The Golden Knights said in a statement that fans would not be eligible for a refund unless games were “canceled or directed to be played behind closed doors.”

We’ll have to wait until the pause ends, or if it ends, to see if one of those canceled games gets rescheduled and eventually played.

“We are asking fans to hold their tickets while these future schedule plans are being determined by the NHL. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding,” the team’s statement said.

Would local government have banned games even if the NHL didn’t?

Unlike other NHL markets, the Golden Knights had not been barred from holding events by local government.

Before the season suspension, two teams, the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets, had announced they would play games with no fans in the crowd after orders from their respective county and state. Two more teams, the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks, would have been forced to do so after a ruling from the state of California.

As of now, no local entity had banned or even recommended against large gatherings in Las Vegas. The Clark County Commission, the entity with jurisdiction over the Strip and T-Mobile Arena, had yet to make any advisories.

The Southern Nevada Health District held a news conference Wednesday and said their officials “haven’t made a decision or a recommendation about event cancellation.”

What are the options for the season?

If the NHL does resume this season, it could simply pick up where it left off at a later date, which would include the Golden Knights playing the remaining 11 games of the season. There are a lot of factors that would complicate that, including building availability, that makes that unlikely.

Another possibility would be canceling the rest of the regular season and picking up play in the postseason. If that were the case, the league would most likely use points percentage as its determining factor for 1180755 Vegas Golden Knights 1 Atlantic Boston

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The number of unknowns right now is incredibly high, not just for 0.579 professional sports, but the world. 1 Metro The NHL suspended its season on Thursday, waiting a mere 15 hours after the NBA put its campaign on hold due to the coronavirus threat. Washington That league now has its Patient Zero — Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert 0.652 — which greatly accelerated the NBA’s decision to announce a shutdown even while games were still ongoing. 2 Metro

Now multiple teams are being put into two-week quarantines, including Philadelphia the Toronto Raptors, who played the Jazz on Monday night in Salt Lake City. 0.645

The NHL does not yet have an infected player — at least officially — but 3 Metro that may only be a matter of time. Gobert could have become infected Pittsburgh anytime in the past several weeks, a stretch during which he played games in multiple buildings shared with NHL teams (in New York, Boston 0.623 and Detroit) and against a team, the Raptors, which shares an arena with an NHL club. WC

In just one example of the close quarters these organizations in different Carolina leagues can share, the Tampa Bay Lightning — who faced the Maple 0.596 Leafs at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night — were instructed to use the Raptors media quarters for interviews that night as part of one WC of the coronavirus-inspired precautions being taken. It’s possible that Islanders NHL players were infected either there or during games in other NHL buildings, through contact with staff and arena workers. 0.588

And it may well be that we don’t know of those cases until a week or — more from now when symptoms present and/or players are tested. — All of that made Thursday’s shutdown the prudent course of action for the NHL. In fact, Gobert’s positive COVID-19 test — and the resulting fallout — — were a clear sign the leagues should have taken more aggressive Eliminated action sooner than they did. Columbus The suspension almost certainly marks the end of the NHL’s 2019-20 regular season, leaving 189 games — or 15 percent of the season — 0.579 unplayed. If so, the year would end with eight teams having played 71 games, 11 playing 70, 10 with 69 games, and another two with just 68. Florida

The best-case scenario here, according to several sources contacted by 0.565 The Athletic late Wednesday night, would mean the shutdown lasts only Rangers three weeks and the NHL playoffs would begin essentially as scheduled in mid-April. Teams would be ranked by points percentage and given 0.564 playoff berths as if the season had, in fact, ended on March 11 instead of April 4. 1 Central

That would be a tough break for teams like Columbus, Florida, Winnipeg St. Louis and Minnesota, who could miss the postseason by tiny margins. 0.662

There’s hope that perhaps that level of heartbreak could be alleviated by 2 Central adding play-in games, allowing more than the standard 16 teams to participate in the postseason — but that assumes that the NHL will be Colorado able to resume play with enough time to expand its playoff schedule. 0.657 Just the opposite could plausibly happen if North America is as ill- equipped to slow the virus as many fear. It’s possible the NHL — along 3 Central with the NBA and other leagues — is on hold for months, meaning all Dallas that could be accommodated would be a drastically abbreviated playoff schedule. 0.594

That could mean relying on the standings, as of today, to choose 16 1 Pacific postseason teams and then having them play best-of-three or best-of-five Vegas series instead of best of seven. It could also mean a completely revamped playoff format, perhaps like the round-robin one the Danish 0.606 league is adopting to make up for a compressed schedule. 2 Pacific If the playoffs started today Edmonton 0.585 for how much of the season can reasonably be saved. Much of this is out of their control, however, as keeping players, staff and fans healthy while 3 Pacific trying to stop the spread of the virus will be the top priority.

Vancouver Even if it means no one's playing hockey again until September.

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Ending the season more than three weeks early would also have significant ramifications on important league issues like draft lottery positioning and end-of-season awards. Not to mention the financial aspect of the shutdown, as 15 percent of regular-season gate revenues would be wiped out -- which would result in massive escrow increases for players and a potentially lowered cap for teams next season.

"MLB and NBA can probably be profitable with no gate revenues," said one player agent on Wednesday night. "Obviously not the case for the NHL."

The financial side of the shutdown would be even more painful for the NHL if there wasn't a postseason, which would mean not awarding the Stanley Cup after playing a regular season for the first time since a Spanish flu outbreak 101 years ago.

Cancelling the postseason altogether isn't out of the question. That's the route the majority of leagues in Europe have taken in the past few days, as playoffs were cancelled in Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia, Austria, Poland and Norway due to the virus, which has advanced extremely quickly throughout Italy and other parts of the continent.

The Czech Republic, France and Denmark, meanwhile, have so far merely postponed their postseasons, with the intention of attempting to resume play when it's safe to do so. Russia's KHL, Sweden's SHL and Finland's Liiga are all currently planning to continue to hold playoff games, albeit likely in front of small crowds or even empty arenas.

There have been widespread cancellations and postponements throughout other sports as well, from rugby to soccer, tennis and figure skating. The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, slated to begin in late July, are also in jeopardy of being pushed back further, perhaps into the fall.

Just how late the NHL can possibly push its postseason is a fair question. If players begin to be quarantined, will they still be able to train and prepare for the playoffs after sitting out for what could be months without playing games? Would they require a mini-training camp before play resumed?

And would there be an appetite for a full postseason -- with up to 100 games stretching over two months -- if that meant rusty NHLers suddenly skating into the middle of July or even early August?

What then would that mean for the following season, given too short of a summer break obviously wouldn't be ideal? Not to mention the fact that the draft and free agency would need to be pushed back as well.

Those will be some of the difficult questions facing the NHL's board of governors in the weeks to come, as they try to adjust their expectations 1180756 Vegas Golden Knights “It’s the right thing to do,’’ said one veteran NHL player via text message Thursday morning, requesting anonymity.

When to resume the season, if that’s even an option, that’s the more LeBrun: NHL makes the correct decision to temporarily suspend season intricate decision.

The NHL is more gate-driven than the NBA, as the two league’s TV deals aren’t even comparable; the NHL’s financial well-being depends on By Pierre LeBrun getting those four rounds of playoff games in even if it means summer hockey. Mar 12, 2020 But I can’t imagine the season resuming until leading health authorities

proclaim the virus under control and deem it safe to hold large public There will be a lot of talk today about this being an unprecedented time in gatherings again. the NHL. It seems hardly significant on a day like this but part of what the NHL and The league’s decision to temporarily suspend the season because of the NHLPA have to deal with moving forward is determining the longer-term ongoing coronavirus threat, a day after the NBA stunned the world by financial impact of these decisions. Just a week ago, the NHL announced doing the same, is indeed a historical day. a bullish salary cap projection of between $84 to $88.2 million for next season, a jump from the current $81.5 million cap. On a Board of Governors call on Thursday, there was no official vote by owners but commissioner Gary Bettman asked if there was opposition to Well, who knows now? Any significant hit to hockey-related revenue for pausing the season and there wasn’t. They also made it clear this is the rest of the season will have a direct impact on the salary cap. But I hoped to be a temporary stoppage. will point out one important fact, regardless of the rules in the CBA governing the formula calculating HRR and the salary cap, the NHL and “Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so NHLPA can throw that out the window and agree to an artificial cap figure that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup,” for next season in the case of an emergency like this. As long as both Bettman said in a release. sides feel it’s the best course of action, they can do that, a source confirmed Wednesday. So you can forget a salary cap dropping by So it’s a unique day in NHL history but not unprecedented. The 1919 millions for next season and throwing teams into roster Armageddon. The Stanley Cup showdown was halted five games into a series between the league and NHLPA won’t let that happen, although with any course the Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Metropolitans because of the Spanish union will be mindful at the same time of not putting its players in a crazy flu, one of only two times the Cup wasn’t awarded since the onset of the escrow situation, either. NHL in 1917. The other, of course, was when the 2004-05 lockout wiped out the season. But those financial matters seem so secondary on a day like today. People love sports because it gives them an outlet from the rigors of our I was in that news conference in New York in 2005, commissioner Gary everyday life. Having the NHL and NBA seasons suspended is a stark Bettman as somber as can be in announcing that news. reminder of the real-life threat upon us now. On this day, I think it’s fair to say everyone is a little apprehensive, It’s a time in our lives like no other. unsure of what lies ahead as a world health pandemic descends on the globe.

It’s been a week like few others in NHL history, one which began on The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 Monday night when Santa Clara County officials announced they were putting a temporary ban on all large gatherings.

I reported on Tuesday night on TSN’s Insider Trading that the San Jose Sharks were leaning toward playing in front of an empty arena when they returned home to host the Montreal Canadiens. On Wednesday, the Sharks made that official, saying they would play in an empty SAP Center for their three March home games.

Then the Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Tuesday, after consultation with the NHL, that they still planned to allow fans in the building for their home games Thursday and Saturday despite the Ohio governor’s recommendation to ban large gatherings in indoor venues. The governor doubled down Wednesday, saying he would ban all large gatherings. That took the decision out of the Jackets’ hands, the NHL club announcing Thursday’s game against the Penguins would be played in front of empty stands.

Turns out the game won’t be played at all.

Once the NBA suspended its season Wednesday night amid the news that one of its players tested positive for the coronavirus, the NHL had no choice but to completely reconsider its course of action. Never mind games in empty arenas. Time to postpone all games period. As one NHL governor pointed out to me Thursday morning, we really have no idea if an NHL player may or may not have already been infected with the disease given the lack of testing in the U.S. so far. So it’s the prudent decision to suspend the season for now.

Not to mention the mere fact of how many arenas overlap between the NBA and NHL. That on its own is justification to suspend the NHL season.

And while many criticized the NHL for essentially putting off that decision until Thursday given the NBA’s swift action Wednesday night, one can understand the need to confer with owners on a Board of Governors call today. The NHL Players’ Association has also been in direct contact with its 31 player reps over the past 24 hours.

Suspending the season, for now, was the obvious decision. 1180757 Washington Capitals contesting their tournaments’ first games of the day had warmed up on the court before being told to head back to the locker rooms.

The Big East allowed its first game of the day, Creighton vs. St. John’s, Coronavirus leads to mass sports cancellations; many events 'can't be to tip off and play the entire first half. But at halftime, the conference replaced' pulled the plug on the rest of the tournament.

Other conferences halting their tournaments included the Big 12, the SEC, the Pac-12 and the Atlantic 10. Eventually, every conference By Adam Zielonka and Matthew Paras - The Washington Times scheduled to play games Thursday had canceled them — and Duke University and the University of Kansas, two of basketball’s biggest blue Thursday, March 12, 2020 bloods, announced they were suspending all athletic competitions and travel indefinitely due to the virus.

There will be no NCAA champion, no Final Four, no March Madness at The NCAA made its announcement about March Madness at about 4:15 all, as the coronavirus on Thursday dealt a deadly blow to college p.m., just a day after initially deciding that the men’s and women’s basketball’s men’s and women’s tournaments and put the rest of tournaments would go on as usual, but without any fans allowed to American sports on life support. attend.

Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and a slew of other The never-before-seen situation led to some surreal scenes, like ACC leagues announced the suspensions of their seasons and the NCAA, commissioner John Swofford addressing teams and fans alike at the which had planned to stage games in empty arenas, decided instead to tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina — and honoring Florida cancel March Madness altogether. State’s men’s basketball team as ACC champions for its regular-season title. The ACC and the Big Ten later announced that all of their spring The dominoes began falling after the National Basketball Association on sports seasons, including lacrosse and baseball, would be canceled. Wednesday hit pause on its season when one of its player tested positive for the potentially deadly bug, COVID-19. The Maryland men’s basketball team had not yet flown to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Tournament when it was canceled Thursday. Fans’ hopes that March Madness would be postponed to a later date — becoming May Madness, for example — were dashed by the NCAA “I understand and respect the conference’s decision to cancel this year’s announcement. Big Ten Tournament,” Maryland coach Mark Turgeon tweeted. “The health and safety of our student-athletes and our entire program is “This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, paramount. This is an unprecedented situation that is much bigger than our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the basketball.” pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities,” the For players, the cancellations marked an unceremonious end to their governing body’s statement said. seasons — and for many, their college playing careers.

Baseball suspended spring training and said the start of the MLB season, “This can’t be real at all,” Terrapins forward Jalen Smith tweeted. originally slated for March 26, would be delayed at least two weeks. Mr. Conway can only recall two events that felt similar to the rush of Major League Soccer said it will suspend operations for 30 days, while cancellations Thursday: The terrorist attacks on 9/11 and NBA star Magic the NHL did not give an estimated timetable. Johnson’s HIV diagnosis in 1991. The league’s goal is to resume the current season and still hold the He sees the coronavirus’ impact on sports as an intersection between the Stanley Cup Playoffs at some point, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman two — the sudden halt of 9/11 and the health questions that arose from said in a statement. Johnson. The unprecedented shutdown of American sports came after Utah Jazz The abrupt stoppage of sports will be jarring for those who rely on teams, player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. A players and events to provide comfort in their lives. Mr. Conway said second Jazz player, Donovan Mitchell, also tested positive Thursday. sports is a “convener” for society, bringing people together. “Following last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for “We’ve got a public health crisis and it’s now etched into a sort of coronavirus — and given that our leagues share so many facilities and economic fallout,” Mr. Conway said. “And sports is sitting in the middle of locker rooms and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL it. OK, what do we do? And the only appropriate action has been, you community would test positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate just have to stop.” to try to continue to play games at this time,” Mr. Bettman said. The economic impact, too, remains to be seen. According to Yahoo In tennis, the men’s ATP Tour was suspended for the next six weeks and Finance, the NCAA Tournament generated $933 million in revenue last the women’s WTA Tour canceled its next two events. year, most of which comes from television rights. Not everything was outright canceled or postponed. The suspensions and cancellations will also affect arena workers who The PGA Tour will play the rest of this weekend’s Tour Championship rely on events to earn a living. without fans at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, and that policy will continue at Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told reporters Wednesday he was least through the Texas Open — the week before the Masters. And like devising a program to help provide financial assistance to those out of the PGA Tour, NASCAR will run its next two races in Atlanta and Miami work. without fans present. Mr. Cuban said he didn’t have any details to share, but added the cause Georgetown University sports business professor Marty Conway said was “important” to him. sports in North America are about a $100 billion industry, and even a small percentage of that being affected would have massive “I reached out to the folks at the arena and our folks at the Mavs to find consequences. out what it would cost to support, financially support, people who aren’t going to be able to come to work,” Mr. Cuban said. “They get paid by the “I think we’re going to see over the next few days and the next couple of hour, and this was their source of income. So, we’ll do some things there. weeks what’s the totality of incidents that are canceled and can’t be We may ask them to go do some volunteer work in exchange, but we’ve replaced,” Mr. Conway said. “You’re looking at major events, golf, tennis, already started the process of having a program in place.” whatever. Those can’t be replaced because they hold a place on the calendar and they’re annual and it’s really hard to reschedule those.”

Sixteen men’s college basketball tournaments were expected to be in Washington Post LOADED: 03.13.2020 action when players, coaches and fans woke up Thursday morning. By mid-afternoon, the entire postseason was canceled.

The cancellations began to come in before noon. Conferences like the Big Ten and ACC made such last-minute decisions that the teams 1180758 Washington Capitals

No events at Capital One Arena 'until further notice'

By Adam Zielonka - The Washington Times

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Sports aren’t the only entertainment option going away for a while.

All events at Capital One Arena, the biggest concert venue in the District, will be postponed “until further notice,” Monumental Sports and Entertainment CEO and chairman Ted Leonsis said.

As recently as Wednesday afternoon, Monumental’s plan was going to be to conduct business as usual at Capital One Arena despite the D.C. Department of Health’s recommendation not to hold “non-essential mass gatherings” of 1,000 or more people.

That changed after the NBA and NHL suspended their seasons on Wednesday night and Thursday, respectively.

“We know the general public is anxious about the virus and the potential threat to our health and safety,” Leonsis wrote. “We share your concerns. Safeguarding the health and welfare of the community is paramount.”

It is unknown when the event schedule will return to normal. In the month of March alone, the “Wild ‘n Out Live Tour” on March 13, a Billie Eilish concert on March 18 and a Harlem Globetrotters show on March 21 were postponed.

Leonsis wrote that Monumental is conducting extra cleanings and installing more hand sanitizer stations inside the arena.

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NHL latest to suspend season due to coronavirus

By Adam Zielonka - The Washington Times

Thursday, March 12, 2020

The National Hockey League has joined the National Basketball Association and Major League Soccer in suspending its season Thursday due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“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,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

Bettman pointed to the NBA, which became the first the first major sports league in the U.S. to pull the trigger Wednesday night after a player, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, tested positive for coronavirus.

“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,” Bettman said.

The NHL hopes to resume the season and hold a postseason “as soon as it is appropriate and prudent.”

The Washington Capitals were preparing to play a home game Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. But the NHL advised teams to call off all morning skates and practices Thursday morning, “given the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus,” per a statement.

The Capitals were set to hold Thursday’s game with fans even after the D.C. Department of Health released a recommendation Wednesday saying not to hold “non-essential mass gatherings” of 1,000 people or more.

“I think it’s very, very, very hard to stop (the virus),” Capitals center Lars Eller said Wednesday. “I’m not a doctor, but I don’t think there’s any stopping it. But I think what’s being done is being done to slow it down, buy us time to prepare.”

Further, the Capitals may need to consider getting COVID-19 tests for players and staff. They played the New York Rangers last week at Madison Square Garden — just one day after the Utah Jazz visited the New York Knicks and Gobert used the same visitors’ locker room before the Capitals did.

The Wizards announced Thursday morning that players, coaches and basketball personnel would self-quarantine for three to four days due to interacting with the Jazz and Knicks.

In addition to the NHL and NBA, MLS announced a 30-day suspension Thursday morning, and Major League Baseball reportedly will suspend spring training.

Washington Post LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180760 Washington Capitals The Capitals will still experience playing a game in a venue without fans: On March 19 they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets, which announced they will comply with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s order and close their games to the public. NBA suspends season, NCAA plans March Madness with no fans Capitals players who met with reporters Wednesday, before the domino effect of local and national announcements, said they hoped concern over the virus wouldn’t reach the point of holding games in empty arenas. By Adam Zielonka - The Washington Times “I think it is just precaution from certain leagues (overseas) and I think Wednesday, March 11, 2020 over here in the states all the leagues are on top of it and obviously we are aware of it and we will see what happens,” Nicklas Backstrom said. “Hopefully we are not coming down that road and we will keep playing The NBA late Wednesday suspended its season after a player tested normally.” positive for coronavirus and the NCAA, citing its own concerns about spreading the infectious disease, announced that March Madness will But center Lars Eller approached it as “a very real possibility.” The Dane take place in arenas minus fans. said he knows people back in Europe who have come in contact with people later discovered to be carrying COVID-19. “The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the NBA said. “The NBA will use “I think it’s very, very, very hard to stop it,” Eller said. “I’m not a doctor, this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the but I don’t think there’s any stopping it. But I think that’s being done is coronavirus pandemic.” being done to slow it down, buy us time to prepare.”

NCAA President Mark Emmert’s announcement came after a string of Some players, including John Carlson, Nicklas Backstrom and Ilya local and statewide moves around the country, including in Washington Kovalchuk, signed autographs for fans and interacted with them after state and Ohio, to restrict large gatherings. practice despite a directive that reporters stay about six feet away from them during interviews. It’s not realistic to try to live life “in a bubble,” The NCAA’s March Madness, as the men’s tournament is known, is one Carlson said. of the most popular sporting events in the U.S. each year. The men begin play Tuesday while the women’s tournament starts March 20. The ruling “I honestly don’t feel like fans should suffer from this,” Backstrom added. also applies to the National Invitational Tournament. “I don’t know where all the fans were from here — maybe they were driving a long way. We are trying to act as normal as possible. I know it’s Only essential staff and “limited family attendance” will be allowed at a big thing in the world and everyone is talking about it, but we got the games, Mr. Emmert said. instructions of just being as normal as you can, washing hands a little bit more often. That is all we can do.” “This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student- Major League Soccer’s D.C. United has no more home games this athletes,” he said in his official statement. month, but the District’s other pro teams face tough decisions.

The NCAA is also looking into moving The Final Four, the tournament’s The DC Defenders of the XFL still plan to hold their home game this last weekend of games, out of Atlanta’s cavernous Mercedes-Benz Sunday at with fans in attendance, per a spokesperson. Stadium and into a smaller venue in the city, according to Emmert. The Nationals have no regular-season games scheduled for Nationals The coronavirus was classified as a pandemic Wednesday by the World Park until their home opener April 2, but there is an exhibition game set Health Organization, with more than 120,000 cases and 4,500 deaths March 24 for fans called the “homecoming game.” The team’s annual worldwide. “homecoming gala” scheduled for March 23 was canceled before the D.C. Health’s announcement. Local officials around the country are responding to the crisis with their own bans on large gatherings in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

The District followed Ohio’s lead Wednesday when the D.C. Department Washington Times LOADED: 03.13.2020 of Health announced a “recommendation” to postpone or cancel gatherings of 1,000 or more in the nation’s capital through March 31. (Washington state’s edict was for all gatherings of 250 or more.)

Mayor Muriel Bowser urged “any social, cultural, or entertainment events where large crowds are anticipated be reconsidered by the organizer” in a message on Twitter.

But Monumental Sports and Entertainment responded by saying Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards home games would go on as scheduled and remain open to fans unless the NHL and NBA respectively decided otherwise.

The Wizards’ and Capitals’ parent company, owned by billionaire Ted Leonsis, said it has formed a coronavirus task force and employees are “undertaking additional cleanings in high traffic areas across all of our properties.”

“We are in constant contact with both leagues and should they update their guidance, we will update the public accordingly,” Monumental’s statement said.

That’s not the case elsewhere.

The Mariners plan to move at least their first six home games of the new MLB season out of Seattle, the first area of the country hit by the outbreak. Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders postponed a home game set for March 21, and the XFL’s Seattle Dragons will play at home Sunday without fans present.

An outright ban of nonessential mass gatherings in the District would have had far-reaching effects. Between Wednesday and March 31, the Capitals have seven home games scheduled, the next one as soon as Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. 1180761 Washington Capitals

Tom Wilson and his puppy Halle wish everyone good health amid coronavirus outbreak

By Ethan Cadeaux

March 12, 2020 4:55 PM

Just a few days ago, Tom Wilson's girlfriend Taylor Pischke shared with the world that she and the Capitals forward adopted a new dog, Halle.

As the NHL suspended its season indefinitely on Thursday in response to the rapid growth of the coronavirus, Wilson posted an Instagram picture with the eight-week-old puppy, wishing everyone good health over the next few weeks.

"Tough news around sports the last couple of days," Wilson wrote. "Wishing everyone good health as we figure this out together. And for now... it’s lots of puppy time. Hope to see everyone again as soon as we can."

Wilson will have plenty of time to spend with his new pup. The NHL has no date set for when it expects to return to action, although the league said in a statement it does expect to resume the season at some point.

The NHL joined almost every sports league in terms of suspending the season. The NBA announced the season would be put on hold Wednesday night after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. Major League Soccer will shut down for 30 days. The NCAA canceled all winter and spring sports, including the men's and women's basketball tournaments. Major League Baseball announced spring training will be suspended and Opening Day will be delayed at least two weeks.

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NHL follows NBA, MLS and suspends the regular season

By J.J. Regan

March 12, 2020 1:30 PM

Amid growing fears over the spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, the NHL announced Thursday that it would suspend the regular season, thus following the example set by the NBA on Wednesday and MLS earlier 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 Gary Bettman said in a statement.

“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.”

All regular-season games are postponed, including Thursday's Capitals game against the Detroit Red Wings. The hope is that the league will able to resume games after a short break.

The NBA elected to suspend its season on Wednesday after Rudy Gobert, a player for the Utah Jazz, tested positive for the coronavirus.

The spread of the coronavirus has caused a rapid change in course for major sports leagues, including the NHL. On Saturday, it was reported the NHL was considering closing locker rooms to the media. On Monday, this policy was put in place by the NHL as well as MLB, MLS and NBA in a joint statement.

The first NHL game in an empty arena was scheduled to be played Thursday between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins, but by Wednesday the NBA had suspended its season and by Thursday the NHL followed suit.

Washington still has 13 games remaining on its regular-season schedule including eight games at Capital One Arena. The final day of the regular season was set for April 4.

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The number of unknowns right now is incredibly high, not just for 0.579 professional sports, but the world. 1 Metro The NHL suspended its season on Thursday, waiting a mere 15 hours after the NBA put its campaign on hold due to the coronavirus threat. Washington That league now has its Patient Zero — Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert 0.652 — which greatly accelerated the NBA’s decision to announce a shutdown even while games were still ongoing. 2 Metro

Now multiple teams are being put into two-week quarantines, including Philadelphia the Toronto Raptors, who played the Jazz on Monday night in Salt Lake City. 0.645

The NHL does not yet have an infected player — at least officially — but 3 Metro that may only be a matter of time. Gobert could have become infected Pittsburgh anytime in the past several weeks, a stretch during which he played games in multiple buildings shared with NHL teams (in New York, Boston 0.623 and Detroit) and against a team, the Raptors, which shares an arena with an NHL club. WC

In just one example of the close quarters these organizations in different Carolina leagues can share, the Tampa Bay Lightning — who faced the Maple 0.596 Leafs at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night — were instructed to use the Raptors media quarters for interviews that night as part of one WC of the coronavirus-inspired precautions being taken. It’s possible that Islanders NHL players were infected either there or during games in other NHL buildings, through contact with staff and arena workers. 0.588

And it may well be that we don’t know of those cases until a week or — more from now when symptoms present and/or players are tested. — All of that made Thursday’s shutdown the prudent course of action for the NHL. In fact, Gobert’s positive COVID-19 test — and the resulting fallout — — were a clear sign the leagues should have taken more aggressive Eliminated action sooner than they did. Columbus The suspension almost certainly marks the end of the NHL’s 2019-20 regular season, leaving 189 games — or 15 percent of the season — 0.579 unplayed. If so, the year would end with eight teams having played 71 games, 11 playing 70, 10 with 69 games, and another two with just 68. Florida

The best-case scenario here, according to several sources contacted by 0.565 The Athletic late Wednesday night, would mean the shutdown lasts only Rangers three weeks and the NHL playoffs would begin essentially as scheduled in mid-April. Teams would be ranked by points percentage and given 0.564 playoff berths as if the season had, in fact, ended on March 11 instead of April 4. 1 Central

That would be a tough break for teams like Columbus, Florida, Winnipeg St. Louis and Minnesota, who could miss the postseason by tiny margins. 0.662

There’s hope that perhaps that level of heartbreak could be alleviated by 2 Central adding play-in games, allowing more than the standard 16 teams to participate in the postseason — but that assumes that the NHL will be Colorado able to resume play with enough time to expand its playoff schedule. 0.657 Just the opposite could plausibly happen if North America is as ill- equipped to slow the virus as many fear. It’s possible the NHL — along 3 Central with the NBA and other leagues — is on hold for months, meaning all Dallas that could be accommodated would be a drastically abbreviated playoff schedule. 0.594

That could mean relying on the standings, as of today, to choose 16 1 Pacific postseason teams and then having them play best-of-three or best-of-five Vegas series instead of best of seven. It could also mean a completely revamped playoff format, perhaps like the round-robin one the Danish 0.606 league is adopting to make up for a compressed schedule. 2 Pacific If the playoffs started today Edmonton 0.585 for how much of the season can reasonably be saved. Much of this is out of their control, however, as keeping players, staff and fans healthy while 3 Pacific trying to stop the spread of the virus will be the top priority.

Vancouver Even if it means no one's playing hockey again until September.

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Ending the season more than three weeks early would also have significant ramifications on important league issues like draft lottery positioning and end-of-season awards. Not to mention the financial aspect of the shutdown, as 15 percent of regular-season gate revenues would be wiped out -- which would result in massive escrow increases for players and a potentially lowered cap for teams next season.

"MLB and NBA can probably be profitable with no gate revenues," said one player agent on Wednesday night. "Obviously not the case for the NHL."

The financial side of the shutdown would be even more painful for the NHL if there wasn't a postseason, which would mean not awarding the Stanley Cup after playing a regular season for the first time since a Spanish flu outbreak 101 years ago.

Cancelling the postseason altogether isn't out of the question. That's the route the majority of leagues in Europe have taken in the past few days, as playoffs were cancelled in Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia, Austria, Poland and Norway due to the virus, which has advanced extremely quickly throughout Italy and other parts of the continent.

The Czech Republic, France and Denmark, meanwhile, have so far merely postponed their postseasons, with the intention of attempting to resume play when it's safe to do so. Russia's KHL, Sweden's SHL and Finland's Liiga are all currently planning to continue to hold playoff games, albeit likely in front of small crowds or even empty arenas.

There have been widespread cancellations and postponements throughout other sports as well, from rugby to soccer, tennis and figure skating. The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, slated to begin in late July, are also in jeopardy of being pushed back further, perhaps into the fall.

Just how late the NHL can possibly push its postseason is a fair question. If players begin to be quarantined, will they still be able to train and prepare for the playoffs after sitting out for what could be months without playing games? Would they require a mini-training camp before play resumed?

And would there be an appetite for a full postseason -- with up to 100 games stretching over two months -- if that meant rusty NHLers suddenly skating into the middle of July or even early August?

What then would that mean for the following season, given too short of a summer break obviously wouldn't be ideal? Not to mention the fact that the draft and free agency would need to be pushed back as well.

Those will be some of the difficult questions facing the NHL's board of governors in the weeks to come, as they try to adjust their expectations 1180764 Washington Capitals “It’s the right thing to do,’’ said one veteran NHL player via text message Thursday morning, requesting anonymity.

When to resume the season, if that’s even an option, that’s the more LeBrun: NHL makes the correct decision to temporarily suspend season intricate decision.

The NHL is more gate-driven than the NBA, as the two league’s TV deals aren’t even comparable; the NHL’s financial well-being depends on By Pierre LeBrun getting those four rounds of playoff games in even if it means summer hockey. Mar 12, 2020 But I can’t imagine the season resuming until leading health authorities

proclaim the virus under control and deem it safe to hold large public There will be a lot of talk today about this being an unprecedented time in gatherings again. the NHL. It seems hardly significant on a day like this but part of what the NHL and The league’s decision to temporarily suspend the season because of the NHLPA have to deal with moving forward is determining the longer-term ongoing coronavirus threat, a day after the NBA stunned the world by financial impact of these decisions. Just a week ago, the NHL announced doing the same, is indeed a historical day. a bullish salary cap projection of between $84 to $88.2 million for next season, a jump from the current $81.5 million cap. On a Board of Governors call on Thursday, there was no official vote by owners but commissioner Gary Bettman asked if there was opposition to Well, who knows now? Any significant hit to hockey-related revenue for pausing the season and there wasn’t. They also made it clear this is the rest of the season will have a direct impact on the salary cap. But I hoped to be a temporary stoppage. will point out one important fact, regardless of the rules in the CBA governing the formula calculating HRR and the salary cap, the NHL and “Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so NHLPA can throw that out the window and agree to an artificial cap figure that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup,” for next season in the case of an emergency like this. As long as both Bettman said in a release. sides feel it’s the best course of action, they can do that, a source confirmed Wednesday. So you can forget a salary cap dropping by So it’s a unique day in NHL history but not unprecedented. The 1919 millions for next season and throwing teams into roster Armageddon. The Stanley Cup showdown was halted five games into a series between the league and NHLPA won’t let that happen, although with any course the Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Metropolitans because of the Spanish union will be mindful at the same time of not putting its players in a crazy flu, one of only two times the Cup wasn’t awarded since the onset of the escrow situation, either. NHL in 1917. The other, of course, was when the 2004-05 lockout wiped out the season. But those financial matters seem so secondary on a day like today. People love sports because it gives them an outlet from the rigors of our I was in that news conference in New York in 2005, commissioner Gary everyday life. Having the NHL and NBA seasons suspended is a stark Bettman as somber as can be in announcing that news. reminder of the real-life threat upon us now. On this day, I think it’s fair to say everyone is a little apprehensive, It’s a time in our lives like no other. unsure of what lies ahead as a world health pandemic descends on the globe.

It’s been a week like few others in NHL history, one which began on The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 Monday night when Santa Clara County officials announced they were putting a temporary ban on all large gatherings.

I reported on Tuesday night on TSN’s Insider Trading that the San Jose Sharks were leaning toward playing in front of an empty arena when they returned home to host the Montreal Canadiens. On Wednesday, the Sharks made that official, saying they would play in an empty SAP Center for their three March home games.

Then the Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Tuesday, after consultation with the NHL, that they still planned to allow fans in the building for their home games Thursday and Saturday despite the Ohio governor’s recommendation to ban large gatherings in indoor venues. The governor doubled down Wednesday, saying he would ban all large gatherings. That took the decision out of the Jackets’ hands, the NHL club announcing Thursday’s game against the Penguins would be played in front of empty stands.

Turns out the game won’t be played at all.

Once the NBA suspended its season Wednesday night amid the news that one of its players tested positive for the coronavirus, the NHL had no choice but to completely reconsider its course of action. Never mind games in empty arenas. Time to postpone all games period. As one NHL governor pointed out to me Thursday morning, we really have no idea if an NHL player may or may not have already been infected with the disease given the lack of testing in the U.S. so far. So it’s the prudent decision to suspend the season for now.

Not to mention the mere fact of how many arenas overlap between the NBA and NHL. That on its own is justification to suspend the NHL season.

And while many criticized the NHL for essentially putting off that decision until Thursday given the NBA’s swift action Wednesday night, one can understand the need to confer with owners on a Board of Governors call today. The NHL Players’ Association has also been in direct contact with its 31 player reps over the past 24 hours.

Suspending the season, for now, was the obvious decision. 1180765 Winnipeg Jets We’ll have to just take it day by day, because no one really knows what’s going to happen. I don’t think we’re allowed to go to the rink to work out, but it’s still a matter of taking care of your body and eating healthy."

Singing from same song sheet on virus Dallas Stars president Brad Alberts in an interview with ESPN Thursday:

"I think what everyone is hoping for is that we take a short pause over the next several weeks and, in a month or so, we can kind of get the season Staff Report back re-energized."

Posted: 03/12/2020 10:51 PM Anaheim Ducks head coach Dallas Eakins, to reporters Wednesday:

"I have great trust in our leadership. I have great trust in our league and in our health professionals and whatever they’re going to direct us to do, The lights are out, dressing rooms locked and beer lines empty at 31 then we’ll do it. It’s very simple. I’m just a big believer right now in NHL arenas after Thursday’s league-wide shutdown due to the everything that’s going on and it’s everything to do with not so much the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. team but our community. Obviously there’s a breakout of the virus and I NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the "pause" Thursday after think we need a massive breakout of kindness. I think we need a the league’s board of governors were overwhelmingly in favour of massive breakout of alertness. I think we need a massive breakout of suspending play immediately, despite the fact 189 regular-season games awareness of what we need to do and to take these things very, very still remain on the 2019-20 slate. seriously."

And there’s genuine concern the NHL’s post-season might have to be Flyers forward Jakub Voracek to Philadelphia reporters Thursday: scrapped entirely, extending the Stanley Cup reign of the St. Louis Blues "It’s something I can’t control, and if it’s something I can’t control, I can’t by another year. really get upset about it. It is what it is. I’ll just let other people (in the Here’s some of the chatter in the hockey world the last 36 to 48 hours: NHL) do their job because I don’t really know anything about it."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, in a statement: "While I’m disappointed we’re not playing right now, nothing is more important than everyone’s health and safety. The league did the right "Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so thing today. Thanks to the 5th Line for your unbelievable support. We that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup. have the best fans in the world and we’ll get through this together." Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay healthy." Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron, in a statement released Thursday by his club: Winnipeg Jets co-owner/chairman Mark Chipman on Thursday to reporters in Winnipeg, on the importance of awarding a Stanley Cup this "It’s become apparent that the situation is much larger than sports. In a season: time like this, it is important we continue to listen to experts whose job it is to maintain the safety and well-being of the population until the issue "I don’t know the answer to that. I think there was only one other time it stabilizes." wasn’t awarded, if I’m not mistaken it was (because of) the Spanish flu (in 1918-19). And perhaps the year there was no play at all (the 2004-05 Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan in a statement lockout season). I think it’s important, but I think it would absolutely yield released by the club Thursday: to the greater issues that we are all facing here." "The health and safety of our fans, players, staff and media always Jets captain Blake Wheeler to reporters following Wednesday night’s remains at the forefront of our decision-making as a hockey club and game: League, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are in full support of the decision reached today by the NHL, its member clubs and players. Like you, we "I think, first and foremost, you want to do what’s in the best interest of have many questions about what’s to come in the future." everyone involved. Obviously yeah we’re playing good hockey right now and we’re pushing for a playoff spot, fighting for our lives. But it’s not as important as everything else." Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 03.13.2020 Jets head coach Paul Maurice to reporters following Wednesday night’s game:

"I want undistracted hockey with fans in the building. That’s what I like. I might not be able to get all of that, but we all want a healthy, positive outcome for everybody. Short of that, we want everyone safe. But you’d like to go into games feeling that hockey is the most important thing for you day that day. If it becomes short of that, we’ll do what we’re told."

Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, to reporters following Wednesday night’s game:

"Obviously we heard. It’s still a little fresh. We haven’t had any time to digest it or anything like that. Obviously it’s unfortunate but public health and safety is a priority and is more important than any sporting event right now."

Prominent NHL player agent, to the Free Press on Thursday:

"I thought it was a possibility for sure. Once you start hearing about empty stadiums and seeing leagues cancelled in Europe, then you start to look at what can happen here. It would be foolish to think it wouldn’t happen here. So, even though it’s shocking, after the last few days you realize it could actually happen here. We’re setting precedent now. I think it’s important that the league and union show some solidarity and stand together."

Washington Capitals forward and Winnipegger Brendan Leipsic, to the Free Press on Thursday:

"I guess I’m not going to the rink (Friday). It’s going to take a couple of days to get used to it. It will be weird not setting an alarm clock, I guess. 1180766 Winnipeg Jets Since leaving my life of crime (writing) behind and getting out for good behaviour, I haven’t looked back. The next truly bad day I have on this job will be my first. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed by what’s happening right now. I love watching sports, writing about sports Sports world goes dark and talking about sports. That’s going to be difficult to do for the next while.

On the Jets beat specifically, it feels like we were just starting to get to By: Mike McIntyre the really good part of a compelling movie or novel, doesn’t it? What if we Posted: 03/12/2020 7:30 PM never get to find out how it ends?

There was talk of playing in empty arenas, of course, but that would have likely just delayed the inevitable — that an athlete was eventually going CALGARY — It was the day the sports world went dark, a remarkably to get sick. And when that happened, Wednesday night in Oklahoma City swift and sweeping blackout that brought all the fun and games to a with Utah Jazz Rudy Gobert coming down with COVID-19 (and later a screeching halt as we continue to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic. teammate), you knew what was coming next.

It wouldn’t have been an easy decision for the deep-thinkers, considering Gobert is being mocked and ridiculed in some circles, especially for the the ramifications of such an unprecedented move. But it was, without fact he made light of the whole situation in the days before his diagnosis. question, the correct and only decision. He even issued an extensive apology Thursday on his social media. But in a way, the basketball star may have clumsily saved leagues like the From the NHL to the AHL to junior and high school hockey, to world NHL and NBA from themselves. curling to the NCAA to MLB to pro soccer and well beyond, this is simply not the time or the place to be bringing large crowds of people together to We’re entering a great unknown going forward. Huge amounts of money cheer on their favourite teams or players — especially with experts in will likely be lost. Championships will not be awarded in some cases. infectious disease pleading with citizens to begin practising what they are Opportunities will vanish, final chances squandered. calling "social distancing." "But it’s just the flu," some will cry. "What’s the big deal?" As much as it might pain many of us, allowing the show to go on any longer would have sent the message that money is all that matters, the Except it’s not just the flu. And it is a big deal. One only has to look at a health and safety of everyone else be damned. country such as Italy, which has completely shut down as their medical system rapidly becomes overwhelmed with patients, leaving some Simply burying our collective heads in the sand and hoping it all quietly critically ill without the care they desperate need. goes away was not an option. The most vulnerable in society need our full attention and resources, and Look, I’d love nothing more than to be sitting here today writing about the they need to know the infrastructure will be there for them if they need it latest impressive Winnipeg Jets victory, their season-high fourth in a row rather than collapsing under its own weight. on Wednesday night in Edmonton, and how this tight-knit and suddenly healthy team is really on a roll. Ironically, at a time when we all could really use a distraction to take our minds off the rather bleak happenings in the real world, taking a But that doesn’t matter right now. business-as-usual approach would only make things worse.

I’d love to be opining about their increasingly promising playoff chances, I’d love nothing more than to be able to look back at this all in a few with three weeks left in the regular season and two more big tests on this weeks, or a few months, and say it was all a big overreaction. And even if road trip coming up Saturday night here in Calgary, followed by Sunday that’s the case, it will still have been worth it. in Vancouver. Before we can get back to losing ourselves in sports again, we need to But those aren’t happening right now. hit pause, take a step back and ensure we’re all taking care of ourselves, and each other. Then, and only then, can we get back to the fun and Instead, I sit in a downtown Calgary hotel room, waiting more than an games. hour (and counting) on hold in an attempt to hastily rearrange my previously booked flights and get home as soon as possible.

"We’re experiencing higher than usual call volumes due to coronavirus," Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 03.13.2020 the message repeats over and over and over again. No kidding.

At the Edmonton airport Thursday morning, a couple hours before NHL commissioner Gary Bettman officially followed the NBA’s lead and suspended the season, I expected to see tumbleweeds blowing by me given how deserted it was. I set a new personal best in going from my curbside Uber drop-off to my gate, completing the task in approximately four minutes. That included breezing through a security line that literally had not a single person in it, as several agents stood around waiting for some action.

"Coronavirus," one of them said in response to my query about why it was so empty.

Once on the plane to Calgary, it felt a bit like I was on a personal charter. There couldn’t have been more than 20 of us, with about 75 per cent of the seats empty. Several of the passengers, not surprisingly, were wearing protective masks.

A sign of the times, for sure. And the fear, of course, is that the worst is still yet to come.

Like a lot of you, sport is truly an escape for me. On a personal level, I’ve been a participant, volunteer and coach for almost my entire life, and it’s been a huge part of our family, including two very active and involved children, now both teenagers.

On a professional level, moving into the Free Press toy department was my one-way ticket out of the gloom and doom of spending 21 years on the justice beat in Winnipeg, with a daily front row seat to the worst society had to offer. 1180767 Winnipeg Jets A player agent told the Free Press he fielded plenty of calls and texts from clients overnight Wednesday and well into Thursday morning, many wondering if they were still eligible to get paid.

Jets' playoff push on hold as NHL suspends season "Tons of questions, tons. I’ve been in contact overnight, all hours, questions from their different time zones. The news has been moving so fast, it’s been an interesting day or two here. Some are asking, "Hey, are we getting paid?" said the agent, who asked that his name not be used. By: Jason Bell "I haven’t noticed anyone panicking from the players’ side. The guys are Posted: 03/12/2020 1:38 PM | Last Modified: 03/12/2020 8:58 PM | all very calm, but everyone’s concerned, of course, and they all want to Updates | Comments: 23 do what’s right for the general public."

Chipman confirmed player contracts remain valid and paycheques will go out as per usual. Moving with the speed and subtlety of a runaway bus, the coronavirus has forced NHL players to clear the road, pack up their stuff and head The Jets still have 11 games on the schedule, including four at Bell MTS home for the foreseeable future. Place. It’s unclear what effect the interruption will have on teams’ ability to play all 82 regular-season games, or when the post-season might Expect no exuberant shouts of, ‘Game on!’ any time soon. commence.

Indeed, rinks will be shuttered indefinitely after NHL commissioner Gary Winnipeg has set aside dates to run well into the summer. Bettman pushed the pause button Thursday on the 2019-20 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. "I can tell you that, yeah, I can see it going into July. We’ve supplied July dates to the league and other teams have, so that’s not inconceivable," The NHL board of governors’ decision comes a day after the NBA said Chipman. suspended its season when news broke that a member of the Utah Jazz had tested positive for the virus. Jets ticket-holders are being asked to keep their tickets and until a final decision is made on whether the 2019-20 campaign will resume. There is no time frame on when the NHL's 31 clubs will return to the ice. Chipman said because of the loss of home dates and the potential for "The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts concerts and other events at the downtown arena to be scrapped, True and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments North’s bottom line will take a hit. without taking premature or unnecessary measure," Bettman said in statement. "However, following last night’s news that an NBA player has "Suffice to say if we’re not able to return to play, the outcome would be tested positive for coronavirus — and given that our leagues share so significant. Can’t put a number on it, though," he said, adding while no many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some full-time staff have been laid off, game-day staff are only paid when they member of the NHL community would test positive at some point — it is work. no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time." Jets players had a previously scheduled day off Thursday and weren't Winnipeg Jets co-owner/chairman Mark Chipman, the team's available for comment. But Winnipeg product Brendan Leipsic, 25, a representative with the league's board of governors, said the decision to winger with the Washington Capitals, said the shutdown came without halt NHL action was an easy one. much warning.

"It wasn’t difficult at all, no. Both league meetings were very brief. There "It happened quickly. I only started hearing about it once the pro teams in were a few questions, understandably, about logistics and what this all Italy were getting affected by it, and then it started creeping in over here. means. Frankly, there is a great deal of work to do to sort those details Then (Wednesday) night it was a pretty big surprise that the NBA player out on such short notice. The league is committed to getting more and had it," said Leipsic, who has three goals and 11 points in 61 games but more information to us in a short period of time. We expect to learn more has been a healthy scratch since the Caps acquired Ilya Kovalchuk at the and know more with each passing hour," said Chipman. trade deadline.

The Jets, who extended their winning streak to four games with a 4-2 "We share the same facility as the (Washington) Wizards (of the NBA) triumph over the Oilers on Wednesday, flew home from Edmonton on and that's no different than a lot of teams. So, it was kind of a no-brainer Thursday afternoon. Winnipeg was slated to play in Calgary on Saturday for the NHL. You can never be too careful because there's still a lot of and Vancouver on Sunday. stuff they don't know about it and they're trying to limit contact as much as possible. It's the right thing to do to make sure everyone's safe. It's All 31 teams were told early Thursday to cancel practices and pre-game good everyone's on board." skates. The union that represents NHL players applauded the league's decision. Meanwhile, the AHL has also suspended play. The Jets' affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, were en route home from Milwaukee on Thursday. "The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time. The NHLPA will The Jets hold down the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference, continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in however, Chipman pointed out the health of fans, players and staff takes daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our precedent. players regarding all aspects of this matter," the NHL Players Association acknowledged in a statement. "I’m really proud of the way our team’s played this year. It’s really regrettable we’re here today, but these are much, much larger issues. It’s "The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in not only just talking to other people from other teams, but the feelings run front of hockey fans everywhere." the same right through our group, our players feel very much the same way. They’re the ones that are literally out there giving of themselves 82 times a year," he said. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 03.13.2020 "It’s particularly difficult, I think, for those guys who have come this far and to now be told they have to pause play. But I talked to (captain) Blake (Wheeler) this morning and he gets it, he completely understands.

"They’re human beings who have children and families and parents and they’re all far more interested in the greater issues that we’re all facing than playing hockey right now," Chipman added.

No member of the Jets organization has been tested for the coronavirus to date, and it's believed no NHL players have been stricken with the virus. 1180768 Winnipeg Jets like. Suffice to say if we’re not able to return to play, the outcome would be significant.”

If and when games are cancelled, fans would receive refunds. Playoff games in July possible: Jets' Chipman “In the meantime we’d ask that they hang in there with us,” Chipman said. “In the hope that those games do get played.”

Paul Friesen Some 1,200 part-time workers who depend on events at the downtown arena will feel the effects of the coronavirus in their pocketbooks. March 12, 2020 9:24 PM CDT “They work when we work,” True North Sports and Entertainment boss Mark Chipman said. “So, regrettably, to the extent that we’re not putting on shows and games, those people obviously would not have a call to Hockey in July? If they’re lucky. work.” The NHL is looking at playing the Stanley Cup Playoffs into the summer The first event they’ll lose is this weekend’s Disney On Ice show, months if it has to postpone the season that long to help prevent the cancelled because its last stop was Salt Lake City, the home of the spread of the coronavirus. NBA’s Utah Jazz, who’ve had two players test positive. “Yeah, I can see it going into July,” Winnipeg Jets chairman Mark “We identified the connection to Utah immediately after news broke about Chipman said at a Thursday afternoon news conference to discuss the one player testing positive,” Kevin Donnelly, True North vice-president of NHL shutdown and other issues around the virus’s effect on True North venues and entertainment, said. “And immediately took measures with Sports and Entertainment. “We’ve supplied July dates to the league and the promoter to cancel the event this weekend.” other teams have, so that’s not inconceivable.” Two Winnipeg Jets home games scheduled for next week are off, or at Chipman says NHL governors did not discuss a drop-dead date for least postponed, with two more in March expected to suffer a similar fate. awarding the Stanley Cup, which is a priority for the league, but not the No. 1 priority. A concert by the band The Glorious Sons, scheduled for March 21, is listed as postponed on the Bell MTS Place web site, but Donnelly “It’s important,” Chipman said. “But I think it would absolutely yield to the stopped short of saying the home of the Jets would be shut down for all greater issues that we are all facing here. I don’t think that anybody large gatherings. understands the time frame we are dealing with. So, it’s really very difficult to speculate whether it will be an abbreviated season or what a “Until such time as an overall ban or mandated limit on attendance is in playoff format would look like.” place, we will work with each promoter on a case-by-case basis to determine whether to proceed with the event,” he said. Chipman says Jets players and coaches, called back from their road trip through western Canada, will remain at their Winnipeg homes for the A University of Manitoba assistant professor who specializes in the study time being. of emerging viruses calls that approach “a bit perplexing.”

They will continue to be paid their NHL salaries, he said. “That puts a lot of pressure on performers to make take the initiative to cancel shows under their own volition, a la Pearl Jam,” Jason Kindrachuk None have shown any signs of illness or been tested. said. “It would be a benefit from a public messaging standpoint for “We’re not aware of anybody in our group that’s showing any symptoms everyone to be on the same page in regards to limiting large crowds… right now,” Chipman said. “So far, so good.” but maybe it’s still too fresh of a situation to expect that.”

The Jets have won a season-high four straight games and are currently Small businesses will also be affected by cancellations, including T-shirt in a playoff position, based on points, but Chipman says he and other specialist Colin Trygvason, who operates the Tbar shop in the walkway NHL governors weren’t worried about the standings when they made leading from Portage Place to the arena and who designed his own what he called an easy decision to shut down the league. Winnipeg Whiteout shirt for the playoffs.

It’s the latest and most dramatic turn in an eventful season that began “I can see a few thousand-dollar bills flying out the window,” Trygvason with the no-show of star defenceman Dustin Byfuglien and saw players said. lost to injuries or illness almost weekly.

“I’m really proud of the way our team’s played this year,” Chipman said. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 03.13.2020 “It’s been a really unique year for us. I can’t remember one like it. I’ve been extremely proud of how Paul (Maurice) and Kevin (Cheveldayoff) and Blake (Wheeler) have led this organization all year long. It’s really regrettable we’re here today, but these are much, much larger issues.

“Our players feel very much the same way. They’re human beings who have children and families and parents and they’re all far more interested in the greater issues that we’re all facing than playing hockey right now.”

Chipman says he first began to suspect the virus was going to cause major disruptions more than a week ago.

“We were asked to start thinking about contingency plans for the Jets… including the possibility of playing in an empty building, the possibility of the season pausing and sliding and resuming,” he said.

Chipman wasn’t ready to discuss best- and worst-case scenarios, saying those haven’t been developed.

“When I talked to the commissioner last week, it was day-to-day and when I talked to him a few days later, it was hour-to-hour. It’s been that way for a few days now.”

The hit to True North’s bottom line could be hefty, he acknowledged, but it’s too soon to put a number on it.

“Whether we’re in a postponement or cancellation — those scenarios are two very different outcomes,” he said. “We’ll start modeling that now. We did some preliminary looking at it a week ago, what this might all look 1180769 Winnipeg Jets proximity with thousands of people around them, that creates a bit of a logistical nightmare for us for spread of this virus.”

More and more sports organizations came around throughout the day, Expert: NHL did the right thing after the NBA late Wednesday became the first major North American pro league to shut down following the discovery of a player with the virus.

Major League Soccer followed suit early Thursday. Paul Friesen The American Hockey League followed the NHL’s lead and suspended March 12, 2020 11:22 PM CDT its season, bringing the Manitoba Moose, the Winnipeg Jets farm team, home from a road trip.

Major League Baseball cancelled the rest of spring training and pushed A full century ago, the NHL suspended its 1919 Stanley Cup Final back the start of its regular season. because of an outbreak of influenza. The pandemic is even affecting leagues in their off-seasons. Montreal and Seattle never did decide a winner. The cancelled its Canadian scouting For the first time in 101 years, a worldwide health crisis is threatening the combines, free-agent camps in the U.S. and all public appearances by coveted trophy’s place in hockey history once again. players. Thursday’s decision by NHL governors to put the season on hold One of the last international groups to come around were organizers of indefinitely to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus that’s shutting the Women’s World Curling Championship in Prince George, B.C., down the sports world, was the only one they could, in good conscience, beginning this weekend. They finally called off that event. have made. “There needs to be a more concerted effort among the different sports Even if it hits them hard in the wallet. leagues and organizations across Canada to have a consistent “Yes, it’s uncomfortable,” Jason Kindrachuk, assistant professor at the message,” Kindrachuk said. “It becomes confusing for people.” University of Manitoba and Canada research chair on emerging viruses, The message: avoid public contact as much as possible. told the Winnipeg Sun. “There are going to be a lot of people unhappy about it. There are going to be a lot of athletes that if they’re in a contract Being young and athletic doesn’t make people exempt. year this is going to have an impact. But we need to be able to look at this from a global health standpoint, and understand why we need to do “That age group can still get infected and still spread the virus,” this.” Kindrachuk said. “We have a disease that spreads fairly rapidly, even in the absence of showing any really strong clinical symptoms. And now The problem isn’t that NHL players could get deathly ill from the virus. that person has transmitted it to two or three people around them. And They’re young and fit, after all. then they start spreading the disease.

The danger is they could carry the virus without even showing symptoms “And ultimately they can spread it to people that are in that age group and spread it to their teammates, friends and families, risking a major that are susceptible to it.” outbreak in Canada and the U.S.. The kind of outbreak that has shut down Italy. The NHL’s statement on Thursday called the season’s suspension a “pause,” but experts say the virus isn’t going away anytime soon. “The NHL is in a precarious situation because you bring into play equipment as well, which is a massive concern not only for the players The best-case scenario: months to get things under control. but for the people that are cleaning it,” Kindrachuk said. “How do you “We don’t have a vaccine,” Kindrachuk said. “So we have a very limited mitigate spread on a virus that seems to spread fairly easily? We need to arsenal on how to combat this. So our best bet is mitigation right now and do what we can to stop the spread of this virus. And we need to take containment where we can.” fairly drastic measures.” It’s a 100-year-old lesson we have to learn all over again. Those measures should include the cancellation of all events that bring large numbers of people together.

One of those was scheduled for Kindrachuk’s own back yard. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 03.13.2020 The U of M was hosting the national men’s volleyball championship this weekend, which, as of the noon hour on Thursday, was still on, much to Kindrachuk’s concern.

By the afternoon, organizers had decided to go ahead with the event, but with no fans in the stands, not even family members.

Kindrachuk said that approach was better than nothing, but not the best possible plan.

By late evening organizers agreed, and canceled the event altogether.

“There is mixed emotion in this news,” U of M athletic director Gene Muller said in a statement. “Obviously we are disappointed for the teams participating and for the fans who were excited to see the top men compete, but we understand the exceptional circumstances that COVID- 19 has created and we believe that this decision is in the best interest of public safety.”

Kindrachuk gave the decision the thumbs up.

“It falls in line with what we’ve seen different sports doing the last 24 hours,” he said. “Short-term sacrifices that will hopefully have long-term benefits for defeating COVID-19.”

Kindrachuk says while Manitoba hasn’t been identified as a hot spot yet, nobody knows “what’s going on underneath the surface.”

“We truly can’t understand or control right now who is infected,” he said. “And that goes for people who are in arenas. Putting them into close 1180770 Winnipeg Jets “The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time,” the union said in a release. “The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our NHL hiatus comes at bad time for Jets, but that doesn't matter medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front

of hockey fans everywhere.” Scott Billeck What is known is the Jets woke up Thursday knowing that their 4-2 win March 12, 2020 1:35 PM CDT against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on Wednesday had propelled them into the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

That was their one and only certainty following one of the strangest CALGARY — Legendary Canadian frontman Gord Downie once sang nights in the sport’s history. the words, ‘It couldn’t come at a worse time.’ You’d have to imagine the Winnipeg Jets could relate to that a little on Thursday. As the Jets were battling the Oilers inside Edmonton’s fancy 18,500-seat facility, down in Oklahoma City the NBA season was coming off the rails. Locked in a fierce battle for a playoff spot and running hot on the heels of a current four-game winning streak, the news that the National Hockey An illness to Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert delayed the start of the League’s 2019-20 season being put on an indefinite hiatus thanks to the game. A subsequent test revealed a positive hit for COVID-19. The game coronavirus is yet another blow in a bizarre season that’s been chock full was postponed. Not long after, the entirety of the NBA season was, too. of them for the Winnipeg Jets. All of Wednesday’s NHL’s games concluded. Kyle Connor’s two goals, From the car accident involving two players on the eve of training camp, including a third-period breakaway marker that served as the game- to Dustin Byfuglien no-showing the entire season, Bryan Little’s freak winner, along with Connor Hellebuyck’s Vezina-calibre heroics ensured a head injury, and the neverending lineup out the door and around the Winnipeg victory. corner at the team’s infirmary, the Jets have endured much. With the indefinite suspension, other questions will remain at-large. Only recently had they become reasonably healthy, which had become Connor’s two-goal effort in Edmonton was his 37th and 38th tallies of the integral to their push for the playoffs. season, one seemingly destined to reach the 40-goal plateau. What When Winnipeg will be able to resume their fight for entrance into the becomes of that? NHL’s postseason — if they’ll be allowed to at all — is now stuck in Hellebuyck stopped 36 pucks in the win. Several of them were limbo. tremendous saves. A couple more were sensational. What becomes of The Jets have 11 games remaining on their regular-season schedule, his season, seemingly destined for the Vezina Trophy, and perhaps quite which was supposed to continue on Saturday night at the Saddledome in a bit of Hart consideration if the Jets were to make the playoffs? Calgary. And does any of this really matter given the magnitude of COVID-19 Winnipeg sits on 80 points, two ahead of the Nashville Predators in the around the globe? second wild-card spot and two ahead of the Vancouver Canucks, who sit NHLers make hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many make millions. below the playoff line in ninth place. They’ll be fine. Both the Preds and Canucks have two games in hand on the Jets, and The folks who rely on their shifts at Bell MTS Place and rinks around the there’s a significant meaning to that if playoff spots were to be league? That’s a different story. They don’t see money like that. What determined by points percentage. happens to their livelihoods for the time being? In this case, the Jets (.563) would miss out by .001 of a percentage point Blake Wheeler, Connor and Jets head coach Paul Maurice all spoke after to the Flames. (.564), meaning the Jets would finish in ninth and the Wednesday’s win. Each said they would follow the league’s directives Flames in eighth. It would be a cruel ending to what’s been a turbulent regarding the virus. season in Manitoba’s capital. And despite their recent success as a team and their individual This, of course, is assuming that no more regular-season games get accomplishments as players, all three suggested that the safety of played and the NHL moves directly into the playoffs without any other everyone involved should be paramount. measures to determine seedings. For now, that’s the case. It’s not just about keeping the players healthy, For now, no one knows. but rather doing what’s best to keep the virus from spreading. “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and And all of this is just unfortunate. after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing Perhaps the greatest thing that sport offers is an escape from the regular today that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with tonight’s day-to-day. The opportunities for said escape continue to dwindle by the games,” a statement from the NHL read on Thursday. hour, if not the minute.

“The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts At the end of the day, if sport can play its part to curb the spread of the and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments coronavirus, then it will have done well. without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus – The bottom line here is that the health and safety of people are more and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and important at the moment. it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test The NHL will be back and, God-willing, so too will its passionate fanbase. 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 Winnipeg Sun LOADED 03.13.2020 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 NHLPA, the union that represents the players, supported the NHL’s decision. 1180771 Winnipeg Jets “None of us are infectious disease experts and we really have to yield to the science and wait and see how that reveals itself before we can even begin to speculate on how soon we can get back and how many games we can play,” said Chipman. Jets’ Mark Chipman reacts to NHL pausing season, possible financial implications He also praised the leadership provided throughout the course of the season by Jets head coach Paul Maurice, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and captain Blake Wheeler.

By Ken Wiebe “It’s really regrettable we’re here today, but these are much, much larger issues,” said Chipman. “It’s not only just talking to other people from Mar 12, 2020 other teams, but the feelings run the same right through our group, our players feel very much the same way. They’re the ones that are literally out there giving of themselves 82 times a year. Where do the Winnipeg Jets go from here? “It’s particularly difficult, I think, for those guys who have come this far With news coming down that the NHL season has been paused due to and to now be told they have to pause play. But I talked to Blake this the coronavirus, the Jets flew home from Calgary on Thursday afternoon. morning and he gets it, he completely understands. They’re human beings who have children and families and parents and they’re all far Instead of continuing a three-game road trip, trying to extend a four-game more interested in the greater issues that we’re all facing than playing winning streak and focusing on trying to stay above the playoff line in the hockey right now.” Western Conference, the Jets are staring down an uncertain future. As a point of reference, during the NHL lockout year of 2013, playoffs Given the circumstances of the pandemic and importance of public began on April 30 and ended on June 24. safety, shutting down the league was the right thing to do. How important is it for the Stanley Cup to be awarded this spring — or “It wasn’t difficult at all, no,” Jets governor Mark Chipman told reporters at summer? a press conference in Winnipeg on Thursday afternoon. “Both league meetings were very brief. There were a few questions, understandably, “I don’t know the answer to that,” said Chipman. “I think it’s important, but about logistics and what this all means. Frankly, there is a great deal of I think it would absolutely yield to the greater issues that we are all facing work to do to sort those details out on such short notice. The league is here.” committed to getting more and more information to us in a short period of time. We expect to learn more and know more with each passing hour.” Given the uncertainty of the situation, Chipman wasn’t ready to weigh in on the financial implications of potentially losing income from lost home The Manitoba Moose, the AHL franchise that serves as the primary dates. affiliate for the Jets and is also owned by True North Sports and Entertainment, are also unsure when their season might resume after it “Not yet, no. I think we’ve got four home games left. I hate to use the was also paused on Thursday. excuse, but I think it’s just too early to tell, whether we’re in a postponement or cancellation,” said Chipman. “Those scenarios are two The Moose had already travelled to Milwaukee for a game on Friday but very different outcomes. We’ll start modelling that now. We did some they were scheduled to return to Winnipeg on Thursday night. preliminary looking at it a week ago, what this might all look like. Suffice to say if we’re not able to return to play, the outcome would be The Jets flew to Calgary on Wednesday night after a 4-2 victory over the significant. Can’t put a number on it, though.” Edmonton Oilers but returned to Winnipeg on Thursday afternoon. Chipman dismissed the notion the pausing of the NHL and AHL had led What will the next several days look like for the coaching staff and to layoffs at True North, but noted there isn’t currently a plan in place to players? compensate the part-time workers that could be impacted during the “To be determined, but right now the players are asked to head home (in coming weeks of inactivity at Bell MTS Place. Winnipeg) once they land and await further instruction,” said Chipman. “Those people are on part-time agreements. They work when we work,” Although a number of Jets players dealt with a flu bug this season, none said Chipman. “So, regrettably, to the extent that we’re not putting on of them have shown symptoms of coronavirus or have been tested for it shows and games, those people obviously would not have a call to so far. work.”

“I’m glad you asked that. One of the resources that has been really, really True North vice president of venues and entertainment Kevin Donnelly helpful to us, particularly today, are people from the regional health was quick to point out the hope was that the work for those vendors and authority and Manitoba Health. They’ve been really responsive to those other part-time personnel would be moved to a future date and not lost types of questions, testing, etc.,” said Chipman. “Our players have not entirely. been tested yet. I assumed, again, out of my ignorance that that is “With a postponement, it is different than a cancellation,” said Donnelly. something you just automatically do. There’s a very valid case or “Hoping we can move as many events into a postponement so that work explanation that I got from sort of the leader in this area in our province, is just delayed and it would still be coming. If we can move an event from sort of saying proactive testing isn’t necessarily the right thing to do, and I a date in March to a date in August, then the work still occurs.” hadn’t even thought of that.

“I won’t try to explain it because I’ll do a terrible job, but really what we’re told is you test when the symptoms start to present. So that’s what we’ll The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 do, we’ll follow the same protocols that Manitoba Health is asking all citizens to follow.”

The Jets are playing some of their best hockey of the season and moved to 37-28-6 (80 points) on Wednesday, but there’s a possibility that their recent run might not be enough if the regular season isn’t completed.

Despite moving into the first wild card spot, the Jets have played two more games than both the Nashville Predators and Vancouver Canucks.

So if the regular season doesn’t resume and the NHL chooses to go directly to the playoffs, if play resumes at all, the Jets would fall .001 per cent shy of a playoff spot if it ends up being determined by current winning percentage.

Chipman wasn’t about to speculate about the contingency plans the NHL may eventually consider, though he did acknowledge the possibility that the resumption of play could lead to playoff games stretching into July. 1180772 Winnipeg Jets Adam Lowry, 17: It was the number I was given in Swift Current (of the WHL) — I wore it for my whole junior career and it was one of the available numbers (with the Jets). My dad wore 10, 26 and 22 — 10 is tough to wear in Winnipeg because of Dale Hawerchuk, our captain is From 2 to 88: Jets players reveal why they wear the numbers they do No. 26 and (Chris Thorburn) was 22 at the time, so I figured 17 was something I was comfortable with and I had worn it for a bit. But I had

never worn 17 growing up. Then, I wore 10 or 15. I switched to 15 By Ken Wiebe because it was easier to get.

Mar 12, 2020 Cody Eakin, 20: It was just a familiar number. I had it in Dallas. I was 21 for all of my junior career and 20 was close enough. I didn’t ask (Nick Shore for 21). I wasn’t bent out of shape or worried about it. It’s a fresh start (with the Jets). In minor hockey, I changed a couple of years but What’s in a number? was mostly 9 and then got to 21 in junior. That was my dad’s old playing In many cases, it’s a question that occasionally stretches well beyond the number, so I figured that was a good one to take. Plus, Peter Forsberg game of hockey — especially for those members of the Winnipeg Jets and a few other guys wore it. who were multisport athletes growing up. Nick Shore, 21: Nope, just take what you’re given. I don’t really care. I’ve For Nikolaj Ehlers, family ties were at the root of his selection. worn enough numbers in the last couple of years, so there’s no significance. I kind of always wore 23 growing up, but 21 is cool. Peter For Anthony Bitetto, it was an ode to his New York roots, recognizing his Forsberg was one of my favourite players, so that works. favourite players on the ice and on the diamond — both of whom won championships, for the Rangers and the Yankees. Mark Letestu, 22: All of the numbers I had worn before I got here were taken. I had worn 55 for a long time and you’re not getting that here, 10 I Others may never don the jersey that tops their wish list because it’s had worn before and I wasn’t about to tackle that (because it’s what Dale already taken, while Laurent Brossoit plans to be a trailblazer the next Hawerchuk wore for Jets 1.0), so 22 ended up being the number. I don’t time he chooses the digits that go on his back. know why I picked it, but it turns out that my kids are wearing 7 and 15 Some have deeper meaning, some decided to flip-flop an older number and I figured out that adding those up got you to 22, so they were excited since theirs was already in use and others simply continue to wear what about the coincidence that came from that. In Columbus, I ended up was originally given to them as far back as the first development camp changing my number twice in two years. I started out with 17 because they attended. that’s what they gave me and then they traded for Brandon Dubinsky, so I switched to 10, which is what I had in Pittsburgh. Then, Columbus Here’s the scoop on why Jets players wear the numbers they do. traded for Marian Gaborik, so I said to hell with it, I’m switching to something that nobody else has, 55. Not a lot of teams have it, so I stuck Anthony Bitetto, 2: I also played baseball growing up. So, Derek Jeter with it for a while. I wore it in Edmonton and here, obviously I had to and Brian Leetch, those were obviously two big New York guys that wore change. In minor hockey, 55 is what I wore. For whatever reason, the 2, so I wore it ever since I was a kid. One year I had to switch: I wore 7 in jersey set that year was all double digits and high numbers. college because actually a guy from Winnipeg, Drew Ellement, wore 2. Once I went to Milwaukee (in the AHL), I went back to 2 and I’ve worn it Carl Dahlstrom, 23: I had it with my team in Sweden. But a legend came ever since. back to our team (Linkopings HC), Niklas Persson. He had worn 23 there for a lot of seasons, so I had to give it up. For free, too. I’ve heard of guys Tucker Poolman, 3: I wore 6 in high school, 6 my two years of junior but getting some compensation, but I moved it on. I only had it for a season. when I got to college, 6 was taken, so I went to 3. And when I came up It wasn’t a big deal. But I just figured that now (after the Jets claimed him here (to Winnipeg), they gave me 3 and that was nice of them. I haven’t off waivers in October), why not take it back? I had 9 for a long time changed it since. Usually I was just rolling with the same number as the when I was growing up and it was very random. A lot of great guys wore year before, but I will stick with it as long as I can. At development camp, 9. My dad actually had 23 for a while when he was playing. I had 54 but 3 is better. Blake Wheeler, 26: I was 17 my whole life and when I got to Boston, Neal Pionk, 4: I wore 44 in New York, but Josh Morrissey wears 44 here. Milan Lucic was Cam Neely version 2.0, so I wasn’t 17. It was just a I actually wore 9 growing up for baseball and hockey. When I got to high process of elimination that turned into 26. school, there was a senior wearing 9, so I wore 19. When I got to junior, someone was wearing 9, so I wore 5. When I got to college, a senior was Nikolaj Ehlers, 27: That’s my family number. My dad used to wear it in his wearing 5, so I wore 4. It just keeps going and 44 just got assigned to me club career and my brother Sebastian is wearing it in Denmark. So it’s in New York. Here, I wear 4 and it works for me. been a family number. Same for No. 24, that I’ve had on the Denmark national team since I was a kid. My dad had that on the national team Dmitry Kulikov, 7: No significance, I just took it when I was in Florida my and my brother had that on the national team. I have no idea how they second year and I stuck with it the whole time when it was available. became my dad’s numbers. It’s not his birthday on the 27th or anything. Lucky 7. Growing up, I wore 11, 29, 18. The 29th is my birthday, so that’s It’s awesome (to keep the tradition alive). I knew that I wanted 27 or 24. what I wore when I was in junior and the last year in Russia before I When I got to Halifax (of the QMJHL), Jonathan Drouin had 27, so I took came over (to North America). 24. I have two numbers that I can go to.

Andrew Copp, 9: There was one year where our coach’s kid wore it and Jack Roslovic, 28: Why I wear 28? I wore it at the (US National at Michigan my first couple of years, but 9 was something I grew up with Development) Program because we had to be (numbers) 1 through 30. I and then went back to during my junior year at Michigan once Luke don’t know why, I thought it was a cool number. No significance. I can’t Moffatt left. I wore it because Brendan Morrisson wore it at Michigan. tell you what I wore as a kid, but you can look it up if you want to. That’s my guy right there. I wore it for baseball, football. That’s my Actually, I can’t disclose any more information on numbers. You can number, I guess. At my first Jets development camp, I was given 51 — speculate as much as you want. I didn’t wear any number for any special which, all things considered, was not that bad. There are some good reason. It was more just given to me or I had to (wear it). players who wore 51. Writer’s note: Roslovic wore 96 at the Miami University (Ohio), he wore Dylan DeMelo, 12: There wasn’t really much that was available (after he 11 at the Biosteel All American Hockey Game, he wore 48 for Team USA arrived in a trade on Feb. 18). I wore 2 in Ottawa and just wanted to keep at the World Under-17 Challenge but was back to 28 for the 2015 World a 2 in there. It’s more of a forward number, but maybe it will give me U18 Championship and the 2017 World Junior Hockey Championship. some goals. We’ll see. I wore 6 in minor hockey, in junior it was 2, in the minors it was 2 and then 74 when I was with the San Jose Sharks. That Patrik Laine, 29: I’ve worn a lot of numbers growing up, but I got 29 when was the number I was given after the draft and it wasn’t a bad number I was 15 years old. The equipment guy just gave it to me when I was the actually. I don’t know if I’ll ever go back to it. I’ve always liked low youngest guy on the team and I’ve just been rocking it ever since. numbers and single digits, but a lot of the low numbers were taken here, so I had to improvise. One of our good friends said you like 6 and you Laurent Brossoit, 30: The Jets just gave it to me. Even as a kid, I didn’t like 2 and 6 times 2 is 12, so I thought I would give it a go. have much of a choice, it was 31 or 1. I never really had a choice in number, come to think of it. In junior, they give you the choice between 1, 31 or 35 or something like that. Always a small choice, but there was never any significance to my decision. I’ve always wanted, once given Mathieu Perreault, 85: It was given to me in Washington when I showed the opportunity, to choose a number that no NHL goalie has used before. up for my first development camp and I wore that number through Whatever that would be, just to kind of start one fresh, so kids could end training camp. When I got called up, that jersey number was in my stall. up using it because of me, you know. We’ll get there one day. They didn’t ask me what number I wanted, but I thought I would go with 85. They start making hockey cards and you start writing your autograph Connor Hellebuyck. 37: I grew up watching the video tape of the Detroit with it and figured that 85 suits me, so I kept it. In Hershey (of the AHL), I Red Wings 1998 Stanley Cup win before bed every night and Olaf Kolzig was 22 and in junior I was 16. I would say 16 was number growing up was in the final with the Washington Capitals. He was nicknamed and I asked for it in Washington, but they said no, you’re getting 85. Godzilla and he looked like an animal, so I just gravitated towards him That’s perfect, 85 suits me and I wound’t change it for anything. (Kolzig wore 37). Nathan Beaulieu, 88: I’ve always loved No. 8. I wore 28 in junior (with the Logan Shaw, 38: I’ve been handed a bunch of numbers. I started with 68 Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL), but it wasn’t available in Buffalo, so in Florida and Jaromir Jagr came in. I was the American League guy with I just kind of flipped it. Both weren’t available here, so I just went to 88. 68, so they gave it to Jagr. So they gave me 48 and I didn’t get a Rolex. I’ve always loved eight. I don’t know. There’s no reason behind it. But I wasn’t really up at that time, I was down in the minors. Then I got traded to Anaheim and the guy I got traded for (former Manitoba Moose centre Mike Sgarbossa) also wore 48, so we just switched jerseys. Then I went to Montreal and they gave me 49, for no reason. When I signed The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 here last year, they gave me 38. They called me this summer and asked me if I wanted to keep it and I said that was fine. I had 22 in San Antonio (of the AHL), 22 in Portland (in the AHL), 23 in San Diego (in the AHL), 41 in Cincinatti (of the ECHL). I wore 11 growing up. My father and brother were No. 2 and I didn’t want to wear 2. That’s why I took 22 in San Antonio as well.

Josh Morrissey, 44: My dad’s number in sports was 7, so that’s what I wore in minor hockey. When I went to junior, 7 was taken, so I took 10. I always had 36 in development camp, which I hated. I don’t know why, I just really didn’t like it and it’s a big deal when you make the team and you get to pick your own number. There wasn’t a whole lot available, but I thought 44 was a cool number. wore 4 and some other defencemen wore 44. And I liked it because it was a double number. It worked out pretty well. I wore 27 in Kelowna (of the WHL) because I liked Scott Niedermayer growing up. I wanted to wear it in minor hockey, but we never really had numbers higher than 20 until I was in junior and (27) wasn’t available then either.

Mark Scheifele, 55: I wore it in minor hockey from when I was seven or eight until I was 16. My brother wore it as well, so it was a number we wore growing up, so I thought I would bring it back when I got here (to Winnipeg). I wanted to be like my big brother. Because he wore it, I wanted to be the same as him — 19 was my number in junior and (Jim Slater) had that one. So, it was fun to switch numbers and go back to 55. I hadn’t worn it in a long time, so it was a good switch back. At the YoungStars tournament (in 2011), I wore 45. That was my prospect number.

Jansen Harkins, 58: I was 56 first (after being drafted), but then Marko Dano came in (on a trade) during my second year and he claimed it. They looked at what was open close by and gave that to me. It’s not a bad number though. I wore 12 and 26 most of the time as a kid. My dad wore 26 for the U.S., so I had a jersey with that number in my room when I was growing up. It was always around, but when 26 wasn’t there, I was a big fan of Jarome Iginla, so I wore 12. I was going to wear 17 because I liked Ryan Kesler, but my buddy beat me in rock, paper, scissors. So I went with 12 and then rode 12 for my whole junior career. I’m not getting 26 here, so it’s all good. I’m not going to ask to change my number. If someone comes to me, I might think about it. But I’m content right now.

Gabriel Bourque, 57: I just got it in camp with Nashville. I played my first year with it and just kept going with it. Growing up, I wore 19, in junior I wore 14 — 19 was for Joe Sakic and 14, they just gave me that in junior and I kept it. At one point, I was thinking about (switching away from 57), but there’s no point in changing right now. I’ve been using it for eight years now, so I’m going to keep it.

Kyle Connor, 81: It was my college number flipped. At Michigan, I was 18. I couldn’t come up with anything to pay (Bryan Little) or anything. So, I just went with 81. I was 9 for a little bit when I was little, but made the switch (to 18) one day. I don’t know, now I like 81 more than 18, so I’m happy with it now. It’s been good, so I’m good with it.

Mason Appleton, 82: There is absolutely zero significance to 82. I always wore 22 or 27 in high school, junior and college and I wore 27 with the Manitoba Moose. Obviously, that wasn’t an option here, 27 was (Ehlers) and 22 was taken (by Chris Thorburn and then Par Lindholm). I was 82 when I was first called up. I was thinking about changing the number last summer, but I stuck with it. It’s such a high number and I’ve never worn a high number in my life, but I like it now. I don’t see myself changing. I’m going to keep it. 1180773 Vancouver Canucks later learned that the Jazz’s Rudy Gobert had tested positive for coronavirus. The game is suspended and would later be cancelled.

6:40 p.m. Wednesday: Canucks inform media they are planning to have Patrick Johnston: Tick tock — the last 48 hours of the Canucks' season their morning skate Thursday, while acknowledging the circumstances are already unusual.

6:45 p.m. Wednesday: The NBA announces the season is being PATRICK JOHNSTON suspended indefinitely.

March 12, 2020 7:14 PM PDT 7:15 p.m. Wednesday: The NHL acknowledges the NBA’s news and announces they will be making a further announcement on Thursday,

following further consultations with medical experts. GLENDALE, Ariz. — It’s often said that change comes slowly then 6 a.m. Thursday: The NHL begins informing teams that any morning quickly. skates, practices and team meetings planned for Thursday should be In response to a request for comment on how the sudden suspension of cancelled. Shortly after, on-ice officials are told to begin making plans to their season unfolded, the Vancouver Canucks explained they’d been return home from their assignments. asked to direct all media requests around the current situation to the 7:25 a.m. Thursday: Canucks inform their players and the travelling NHL, who in turn pointed to comments made Thursday evening by media that Thursday’s morning skate at Gila River Arena has been commissioner Gary Bettman in an interview with U.S. cable TV channel cancelled. CNBC. 9 a.m. Thursday: Assorted Canucks players spotted going about their “When the NBA had a positive test and they had to cancel a game at that business outside the team hotel, after another torrential rain storm. Some moment … I decided to get ahead of it and not wait for one of our players head out for a walk. to test positive,” Bettman told CNBC. “In all likelihood, at some point in the season, we weren’t going to get through the rest of the season 10 a.m. Thursday: NHL Board of Governors hold conference call. It’s without a player testing positive.” decided to suspend — Bettman says he prefers to say “pause” — the season until further notice. A key reason is the overlap in buildings used Bettman said he made his initial decision to “pause” the season by NBA and NHL teams. Implication is teams are worried coronavirus Wednesday night, but chose to speak with the league’s board of has spread between basketball players and beyond. governors about it first. 10:35 a.m. Thursday: NHL announces suspension of season to the To the best of his knowledge, no player had tested positive for COVID- players and the public. The Canucks now need to find a way home as the 19, nor did he know of any players under suspicion of being infected, he plane they’d chartered to fly them from Phoenix to Denver post-game said. won’t be available until much later and wasn’t booked to go to Here’s a look at the final 48 hours or so of the Vancouver Canucks’ Vancouver. After a few calls, a new plane is booked. season, unless games are resumed at a later date: Noon Thursday: The Canucks’ players and staff go about their business 9:45 p.m. Tuesday: J.T. Miller, the Canucks’ second shooter in in Glendale, some visiting a nearby outlet mall, others the restaurants in Tuesday’s shootout against the New York Islanders, scores. For the time the Westgate complex near the hotel and arena. being, he’s the final Canuck to record a goal in the regular season. 5 p.m. Thursday: Canucks board team bus, bound for Phoenix airport. 11 a.m. Wednesday: Canucks board a charter flight from Vancouver to 6 p.m.: Plane takes off for home. Phoenix, Ariz. Two questions hang in the air: how COVID-19 will affect the team’s games, hours after the San Jose Sharks were informed by local health authorities they can’t host games at the SAP Center with fans in attendance; and whether defenceman Chris Tanev is actually on Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.13.2020 the plane.

Noon Wednesday: With the team in the air, the Canucks announce they’ve recalled Jalen Chatfield under emergency conditions. Brows are further raised over Tanev’s status.

12:40 p.m. Wednesday: The Federal Aviation Administration grounds Paradigm Air Operators, who the Vegas Golden Knights have been using for charter flights, for not being authorized to operate charter services and using unauthorized pilots. The Golden Knights are in Minnesota, scheduled to play the Wild on Thursday. Vegas will eventually secure a charter flight home on Thursday from Delta Air Lines.

2:45 p.m. Wednesday: Not long after the Canucks land in Phoenix — in the middle of a torrential downpour in the desert, no less — the Columbus Blue Jackets announce that, after the governor of Ohio imposes limits on the size of mass gatherings, they will be playing their home games in empty arenas, too. Shortly after, the Sharks also acknowledge they will play their next three home games (at least) without fans.

3:53 p.m. Wednesday: Canucks announce Tanev is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. He’s not on the trip.

4 p.m. Wednesday: The Canucks arrive at their hotel in Glendale, Ariz., near Gila River Arena, home of the Arizona Coyotes. Off-ice staff take team gear to the arena and set up the team’s dressing room, operating as if things will progress as normal. They also set up a media area for interviews, which includes the recommended six-foot buffer area between interviewee and interviewer.

5 p.m. Wednesday: With the NBA’s Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder getting set to play in Oklahoma City, medical staff pulled the game officials aside and shortly thereafter, both teams left the court. We 1180774 Vancouver Canucks “That’s the amazing thing,” added Butt. “We are so fortunate as beneficiaries of the Canucks For Kids Fund. It takes a lot to organize to have that nightly 50/50 draw and it’s really innovative to do an online 50/50. That is really strategic thinking and understanding the fan base. Ben Kuzma: Silver lining to season suspension is Canucks' charity success “We’re lucky to have fans who really care what’s going on with their neighbours and charities. It means so much to our families to know that they’re not alone.”

Ben Kuzma The coronavirus pandemic has also taxed all facilities to be extra vigilant.

March 12, 2020 5:18 PM PDT “We’re a heath-care facility and we’ve got to follow all the protocols because we provide patient and medical care,” said Butt. “We’re very

clear on the measures that need to take place to prevent the (virus) On a cautious day, there was some optimistic news. spread. We understand the decision of the NHL to pause the season and we’re focused on keeping families healthy and safe.” Suspension of the NHL season on Thursday, with the coronavirus officially a worldwide pandemic, has put the remainder of a promising The awareness includes the family front. Vancouver Canucks season in jeopardy. Butt has a 16-year-old son currently on a rugby tour to and However, it won’t affect the manner in which the franchise continues to with Lord Byng Secondary School. The team left Saturday and make a major impact in the charitable community. there have been five confirmed cases of the coronavirus in New Zealand. Actor Tom Hanks and his actress wife Rita Wilson have been diagnosed With a majority of the home scheduled completed — only six regular- with the virus while travelling in Australia after exhibiting systems of being season games remain at Rogers Arena — a three-pronged initiative by tired, body aches, chills and slight fever. the Canucks For Kids Fund to improve the lives of those who face significant health challenges has already had a championship season. As for her son, Butt was predictably prudent and protective.

Proceeds from wildly popular and productive 50/50 draws have ensured “You have to be cautious and I sent him with handy wipes and said don’t contributions to help fund Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Canucks touch your face,” she said. “You just don’t know how a pandemic like this Autism Network and B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation will be beyond will forge its path.” expectations.

“Although the NHL has paused the season, thanks to the amazing Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.13.2020 generosity of Canucks fans, the Canucks for Kids Fund has had a very successful season to date,” the team said in a statement Thursday. “Our granting process will remain the same and our charitable beneficiaries will not be impacted.

“We hope that the NHL will be able to resume the season so that we can continue to raise important funds for charities in B.C., but of course we support the league’s decision to pause due to the spread of the COVID- 19 virus.”

The Canucks have set a professional sports standard for superior jackpot totals. And connecting with a responsive fan base that has fuelled the charitable initiative on a nightly basis — it led to a Feb. 22 super jackpot that surpassed $1 million with a guaranteed minimum payout of $500,000 — is mind-boggling.

A percentage of 50/50 proceeds are forwarded to charities depending on what was raised during the season and what the board chooses to allocate. Last year, the Canucks had a record-setting $1,413,630 million 50/50 jackpot in a Nov. 27 game between the Canucks and Los Angeles Kings. The total generated to aid charities was not lost on those who benefit the most.

Debbie Butt is director of communications, marketing and events for Canuck Place. She previously served as executive director of the Canucks For Kids Fund and director of community partnerships. She knows first hand about the connection and commitment the club has with charities through 25 years of support.

“The annual grant that’s made from the fund is about four per cent of our overall operating budget and the remainder comes from the generous community and individuals and companies and institutions,” Butt said Thursday. “But to have a partner like the Canucks with year-to-year consistent generosity means so much.”

Four per cent may not seem like a lot, but the commitment the Canucks organization and players make to ensure regular visits to various charities is priceless.

“And if you look over the span of support, it relates to $29 million and that’s significant,” said Butt. “It speaks to such a generous community of fans. They have made it a ritual of giving back and we’re so appreciative.”

It’s not just the corporate crowd that supports the 50/50 draws. Even way up in the 300 level — home of diehard fans who often don’t have deep pockets — supporting charities has become as important as supporting the club. 1180775 Vancouver Canucks That’s the only thing we know for sure about what lies ahead. The future has become a great unknown. That’s not being alarmist. That’s being realistic.

Ed Willes: Putting a 'pause' on the world of sports is the right thing to do And yet, there still seems to be some sense of denial from the stewards of our games. While the NHL announced its desire to return “as soon as it is appropriate and prudent,” there was a report stating the NBA will be out of action for 30 days at the minimum and the break is likely to be ED WILLES measured in months, not weeks. March 12, 2020 7:53 PM PDT The PGA Tour, later in the day Thursday, cancelled all of its tournaments for at least three weeks.

It was inevitable, really, but when the announcement came it still sucked An earlier decision to play the first round of the Players Championship the air out of the room. prompted the following response from veteran Lee Westwood: “Considering the approach of other sports in the U.S. to the coronavirus, Our arenas have gone dark. There will be no more games in the I’m surprised how little the PGA Tour are doing.” foreseeable future. A couple of days ago we were all talking about the Vancouver Canucks’ stretch drive, their second line, their defensive woes The Canucks, for their part, issued a statement shortly after the NHL’s — any number of issues connected to the team. Now we wake up to find announcement, voicing their support for the league’s decision while Brock Boeser’s deployment isn’t terribly relevant anymore. encouraging fans in Vancouver to hang on to their tickets until further information becomes available. On Thursday, the NHL announced its regular season is suspended. Details are vague at this point. Everything is vague at this point. But the Beyond that, crickets. True the NCAA announced it was cancelling its NHL — along with the NBA, MLS, MLB and the National Lacrosse men’s and women’s basketball championships while I was typing that last League — has “suspended” operations and no one knows when they’ll sentence, but nothing surprises at this point. resume. We are in a new world now, a world with its own rules and timelines, a But that’s of secondary importance now. world over which we have so little control. Maybe the “pause” in the NHL season will be short and we’ll get back to arguing about the Canucks’ It took some time for the NHL and the other leagues to get there, but second line soon enough. given everything that’s transpired in the world of sports and the world of, well, the world, it’s the only decision they could have reached.

Since the start of the week, the COVID-19 pandemic has reached Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.13.2020 something approaching critical mass, forcing the public authority into decisions that seemed unthinkable just days ago. Institutions were closed. Communities were quarantined. The medical community promised this would get worse before it got better and that this wasn’t the flu.

It was time for action.

Against this backdrop, sports were forced, reluctantly, to confront the new world order. On Wednesday, the tipping point came when the NBA announced it was suspending play after Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. On Thursday the NHL followed suit. The league’s initial reaction came first thing in the morning when it announced teams had been advised not to conduct morning skates, practices or hold team meetings.

That included the Canucks, who are in Glendale for a game scheduled tonight with the Arizona Coyotes. The Canucks had entered that game in ninth place in the heated Western Conference playoff race.

Remember the playoff race? Remember earlier in the week, when the big North American leagues all announced a new set of guidelines for interacting with the media to combat the coronavirus? Now, the idea of standing six feet away from your interview subject seems almost quaint.

Just like that, the coronavirus did what the Second World War couldn’t, what 9/11 couldn’t, what any number of crises couldn’t. It shut down our games.

“We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice,” the NHL said in its official statement Thursday morning.

“And we will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to take all reasonable precautions — including 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.”

The NHL, in fact, tried to strike a reassuring tone with its release and its rights holders were on board with the messaging. The term pause was used repeatedly. A short timeline was suggested. But who are we kidding here?

Think of where this story was at the start of the week. Now think of where it is today. Consider also the uncertainty over the impact of the virus on the United States. We are in the early days here and, while the medical community can offer educated guesses, that’s all they are. As unsettling as the current situation has become, it’s bound to change again and again and again. 1180776 Vancouver Canucks Multiple leagues in multiple sports around the globe have made similar decisions.

The Hockey News is citing sources suggesting the 2020 IIHF World NHL suspends remainder of regular season over coronavirus concerns Men’s Hockey Championships will be called off, though the IIHF has since disputed the report.

The IIHF did confirm that the U18 World Championship, scheduled for PATRICK JOHNSTON mid-April in Plymouth and Ann Arbor, Mich., has been cancelled. IIHF president Rene Fasel told TSN’s Bob McKenzie that it was likely all March 12, 2020 5:45 PM PDT tournaments scheduled for April would be cancelled; notably, the senior men’s world championship is scheduled for May.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Vancouver Canucks’ regular season is officially ESPN’s Jeff Passan is reporting Major League Baseball is likely to on hold. suspend play on Thursday afternoon.

Thursday morning, the NHL advised its teams to not hold morning After a conference call among owners this afternoon, Major League skates, practices or team meetings. After a 10 a.m. PT conference call, Baseball is expected to suspend spring training. The league likely will the league announced the remainder of the regular season was delay the beginning of the regular season as well. At this point, it's a suspended. formality that ownership-level sources expect to happen.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 12, 2020 “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl is reporting that Major League Soccer is the board of governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today expected to suspend their season, which is entering its third weekend of that it will pause the 2019‑20 season beginning with tonight’s games,” play. league commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. The National Lacrosse League has suspended play. The fact the NHL and the National Basketball Association share so many Thursday, most U.S. collegiate regional conferences cancelled their facilities was a key factor in the decision to suspend play. basketball championship tournaments, which were set to conclude this After the Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 shortly weekend, and the NCAA March Madness tournament was also before a game in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, the NBA announced its cancelled. regular season had been suspended indefinitely. The Toronto Star’s Kansas and Duke bow out of the NCAA Tournament, and now the ball's Bruce Arthur reported Thursday the league has told its teams that the clearly in the NCAA's court. Remember, they don't make much money off suspension will last at least 30 days. football, because they don't control the postseason. March Madness is “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts really it for them. 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 Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.13.2020 — 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,” Bettman explained.

“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 Canucks are in Glendale, Ariz., where they had been scheduled to play the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena.

The team is travelling back to Vancouver later on Thursday. The prohibition against team meetings or practice remains in place, though discussions between the league and the NHL Players’ Association about how teams and players are to operate in the coming days and weeks are ongoing, sources have confirmed.

In a statement, the NHLPA supported the league’s decision to suspend play.

“The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time. The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

TSN’s Frank Seravalli reported that league officials asked their teams to provide building availability through the end of July as part of their decision-making in how to approach a season suspension.

So how long will this go on? U of M virus expert Jason Kindrachuk says best-case scenario is months: "We have a very limited arsenal on how to combat this. So our best bet is mitigation right now and containment where we can."— Paul Friesen (@friesensunmedia) March 12, 2020

Thursday afternoon, the American Hockey League, the NHL’s primary development league, announced it was also suspending play indefinitely. 1180777 Vancouver Canucks 5. More pinpoint PP passes When Miller fed Toffoli with a slap pass at the side of the net Tuesday,

the winger quickly redirected it into the slot and captain Bo Horvat had a Canucks Game Day: Dialled-in Demko key to taking big bite out of clean look and netted his 12th man-advantage goal, which ranks sixth in Coyotes in Arizona the league.

BEN KUZMA Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.13.2020

March 12, 2020 9:56 AM PDT

THE BIG MATCHUP

Thatcher Demko vs. Clayton Keller

The Coyotes aren’t synonymous with outrageous offence and a 23rd ranking in the NHL proves that, but Keller is a sneaky-fast centre with scoring and playmaking ability to cause some headaches. He only has 17 goals, yet leads the club with 184 shots and a paltry 9.2 per cent shooting accuracy. In short, he has way more potential than just leading club forwards with 27 assists.

Thatcher Demko will try to continue his strong rebound in goal in the past couple of games as the Canucks hit the road in Arizona Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck / PNG

Demko matched a career high Tuesday at Rogers Arena in facing 49 shots. He set a personal mark with 45 saves in a 5-4 shootout win against the visiting New York Islanders. That should provide him with assurance that he can make the difference in back-to-back tests against the Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche. In the absence of injured starter Jacob Markstrom, his workload Thursday will determine if he plays again Friday.

And a serious mindset might be the best motivational tool for Demko, who struggled with a 1-3-0 road record after Markstrom suffered what is believed to be a left-knee meniscus tear from wear and tear that put him on the shelf Feb. 24.

“Just reset,” said Demko, who made 36 saves in a 4-2 loss to the Coyotes on March 4 at Rogers Arena. “Focus on your opponent for the upcoming game. I’m learning a lot through this process, and down the stretch we’re going to have to be really sharp as a group and individually.”

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME

1. No Tanev is a big problem

Chris Tanev was injured in the third period Tuesday and is out week to week with a lower-body injury. He was tied for fourth in NHL blocked shots. Jalen Chatfield was recalled Wednesday under emergency conditions, which is a positional recall, but defending will now get even harder. It’s to the point where off the boards, off the glass or a flip into the neutral zone may be the best exit

2. More Grind Line time

Coach Travis Green will give the trio of Adam Gaudette, Antoine Roussel and Zack MacEwen more ice time because they deserve it. They created offensive-zone time Tuesday with aggressiveness, while Gaudette and MacEwen went hard to the net to score greasy goals by deflecting pucks at the top of the crease.

Quinn Hughes was stopped by Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov on this overtime effort Tuesday night, but notched another assist to bring his total to 48, which ranks seventh all-time among rookie blue-liners. Arlen Redekop / PNG

3. Hughes hitting high gear

The Calder Trophy candidate has been playing through soreness, but started a sharp passing sequence on Tyler Toffoli’s 24th goal Tuesday. He’s seventh in all-time rookie assists by a defenceman with 48, including three last season.

4. Keep dialling up the hits

It’s playoff-style time and the Canucks are up for more physical games with time and space at a premium. They had 36 hits against the Islanders. Tyler Motte had eight hits, J.T. Miller five and MacEwen four. 1180778 Websites “We may have to manage the way we declare our champion. As it stands right now, we still technically have three more rounds before we declare our champion,” Savoie said.

The Athletic / As the NHL hit pause, junior hockey leagues scrambled to “But the big thing for us is we’re dealing with 16- and 20-year-old respond to COVID-19 athletes, fans and parents. We want to make sure that the trickle-down doesn’t take hours to do, it takes minutes. Because what happens is someone will hear something on a report and it causes panic or confusion. We’re prepared to do whatever we need to do to move By Scott Wheeler forward hour to hour.” Mar 12, 2020 Mere hours before the CJHL- conference call, officials in Manitoba announced the province’s first presumptive case of coronavirus in Winnipeg. By day’s end, two more presumptive cases were reported in There are eight of them. the province. West of the city, the Portage la Prairie community is supposed to host the 50th anniversary of the National Jr. A Eight people to deal with a pandemic, 16 teams and hundreds of team Championship. This is the first year of a newly named tournament and staff, players and parents (by way of birth and billet). trophy, the Centennial Cup. It will crown one of the CJHL’s 132 teams as So you can imagine life as Tom Garrity — the USHL’s president and the country’s Jr. A champion, nearly half of which entered Thursday still commissioner — in the last few days has been hectic. As the NHL in their league playoffs. prepared to pause its season, Garrity and the rest of the junior hockey After hopping off the call with Hockey Canada and his board, CJHL world scrambled to react to the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus. president Brent Ladds told The Athletic late Thursday that all 10 leagues “I’m not going to lie to you, this has been extremely overwhelming,” would be suspended effective Friday. Hockey Canada quickly confirmed Garrity told The Athletic on Thursday afternoon. the CJHL decision, announcing the cancellation of all of its sanctioned activity, including its national championships. “We want to do the right thing. We want to make sure we’re not missing a step on this – and we don’t have a playbook on it. We’re small. It’s been “I think for everybody in not just hockey but in sport, it has been a rather an all-hands-on-deck mentality. You can tell when there’s galvanizing unique day. I keep reminding people that we’re hockey people, not moments in life and this is definitely one of them with our league. doctors, so we shouldn’t be guessing what might happen. We just follow Everyone is chipping in to get us through this difficult time.” the example and the advice of medical professionals and set aside hockey,” Ladds said. For Garrity, weeks of conferencing with USA Hockey and the NHL quickly turned into split-second decisions with his ownership group about “It’s been complex. Everyone’s first choice is ‘how do we continue to the remainder of their season. In a matter of 24 hours, a USHL statement play?’ versus the reality of ‘we shouldn’t be playing.’ And then once that about steps being taken to clean dressing rooms and educate players reality sets in, it begs a lot of questions in terms of how do we get back and staff became obsolete. A phone call with the USHL’s board of playing at some point? And it’s quite possible that we might not get back governors was unanimous: They had to suspend play indefinitely, playing this season.” including all team meetings, practices and workouts. That final reality hits hard in communities across Canada, particularly “It has been such an unreal, surreal situation that it has changed literally those, Ladds was quick to say, who’ve spent the last year and a half by the hour,” Garrity said. “We just felt that it was the right thing to do to preparing to host regional championships. Tim Hortons had also signed protect everybody that we care about and we’ll shut it down and play it on as a title sponsor for the new Centennial Cup. day by day.” “People will say ‘Oh geez, is there a way around this?’ and really there is And though the billion-dollar professional sports leagues can take the hit, no way around this,” Ladds explained. “We have to deal with it and it’s the impact on the financial health of the USHL — and other junior hockey unique but we have to be responsible.” leagues — will be wide-ranging. The CHL (comprised of the OHL, QMJHL and WHL) first began to “It’s a large financial impact but I think that’s a credit to our owners that change course on Wednesday when Washington Governor Jay Inslee they all unanimously chose to do the right thing for everybody,” Garrity issued a ban on public gatherings of more than 250 people. Quickly, the said. “We’ve got a great group of owners and they were all 150 percent and responded, announcing they behind doing what was right for our players, our staff, the communities would play upcoming home games on March 14, 17 and 20 without and the fans. It’s not going to buckle our league but financially it’s crowds. By Thursday morning, though, the CHL’s three commissioners definitely going to hurt us – and specific teams.” and league president Dan MacKenzie were already meeting to discuss an entirely different approach. Hours later, they While Garrity conferenced with senior USHL officials on Thursday morning, OJHL commissioner Marty Savoie prepared his staff for “The statement the league issued this afternoon is our only position and contingency plans of their own ahead of an afternoon conference call comment at this time,” the CHL responded to interview requests after the with Hockey Canada and the other nine commissioners who lead the announcement. One source within the QMJHL did say that players will CJHL’s 10 Jr. A leagues in Canada. remain with their billet families during the pause instead of returning home — and that nothing is off the table as to how, if play does “It’s such a fluid situation that can change day to day, to it seems now eventually resume, the season will be completed. hour to hour,” Savoie told The Athletic. On the whole, there is no timetable for when — or if — any of the Days earlier, Savoie had sent a memo to each of his teams asking that leagues will return to play this spring. they appoint a staff member to serve as a liaison with the league in an effort to simplify the relaying of information about forthcoming plans. He There were 56 games remaining on the USHL’s schedule, which ran until also asked for updates on players and team staff who’d recently travelled March 29, while the CHL still had 142 games to play across its three internationally. leagues before the playoffs were supposed to begin. Just as the National Jr. A Championship may be in jeopardy, the 102nd Memorial Cup, On Friday, the OJHL was set to kick off the second of its four-round originally scheduled for May 22-31 in Kelowna, B.C., is now also in limbo. playoffs. Remaining OJHL teams were consulting with their facilities, which include a mix of municipally and privately owned rinks, about Ladds’ best guess is that the CJHL’s 10 leagues and 132 teams will wait efforts to potentially lock down or clean the arenas. two or three weeks before deciding what to do with the players.

Savoie didn’t just have the CJHL and Hockey Canada to consult, either, “Some may choose to stay in those communities and continue with as the OJHL exists under the umbrella of both the Ontario Hockey school and some may go home and come back later if that’s at all Association (OHA) and the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) as well. possible,” Ladds said. “The challenge of course is that our teams aren’t earning any revenue while they’re not playing but they still incur their Before the conference call, Savoie and his staff had mapped out several expenses. A lot of teams are just making their bottom line every year so plans and debated what it would look like to shut down the season, it’s a bit of a sacrifice. But at the end of the day it’s the right thing to do.” postpone games or continue without fans. The USHL plans to take a community-to-community approach in an effort to consult with each city and municipality, as well as their corresponding Centres for Disease Control (CDC) representatives. Garrity plans to work to gauge each market’s level of comfort with all of the scenarios that may be at play. The USHL will then take all of the information it gathers from those communities to USA Hockey and the NHL before it considers returning to play (if that day comes). As the NHL leads, they will follow.

“If we get to a point where we feel we can get back into (the season), it’s going to be a uniform approach, at least from our perspective, with hockey in general,” Garrity said.

“This is something in my lifetime that I’ve never been through and we want to be sensitive to every single thing that’s going on. Are we talking about what ifs? Yes. Are we saying there are going to be what ifs? We have no idea. It’s monitoring and working with people who are a heck of a lot smarter than me, from the CDC to the NHL to USA Hockey, to getting counsel from our owners to make sure that whatever we do our utmost concern is the safety of the people.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180779 Websites The league was stopped with 1,082 of 1,271 regular-season games in the books — slightly more than 85 per cent of the schedule.

Boston sat on top of the standings, Leon Draisaitl at the top of the Sportsnet.ca / As NHL announces 'pause' on 2019-20 season, next steps scoring chart and four Canadian-based teams officially held playoff remain unclear positions for a campaign that may never be completed.

The only time that’s previously happened after a season started was 1918-19, when the Stanley Cup between Montreal and Seattle was Chris Johnston | @reporterchris cancelled after five games because of a Spanish flu breakout.

March 12, 2020, 1:31 PM The 2004-05 season was lost to a lockout.

There aren’t yet any confirmed coronavirus cases among NHL players or team staff — unlike in the NBA, where Rudy Gobert and Donovan So utterly unprecedented are the times we find ourselves in, so beyond Mitchell of the Utah Jazz have each turned up positive tests — but in the reality many of us could have imagined days or even hours ago, that making Thursday’s announcement the league acknowledged that some when the NHL made the landmark decision to pause its season Thursday are likely to emerge given the overlap between the NHL and NBA, and it wound up being no surprise at all. the spread of the virus across the general population. In fact, it felt like the only path forward with the spread of coronavirus That’s ultimately why they were forced to shut down immediately. pandemic now taking hold in North America, just as it has previously in parts of Europe and Asia. Even the potential of playing in front of empty arenas — just as Pittsburgh and Columbus were initially scheduled to do Thursday — The announcement from the NHL came about 16 hours after the NBA didn’t amount to a strong enough safeguard. suspended its own season for a minimum of 30 days. It came after the cancellation of playoffs in seven European hockey leagues, and world Thursday was a strange, sad day but one truth couldn’t be ignored: championships in women’s hockey and figure skating, and the Everyone’s health is now at risk and some things are more important prestigious Indian Wells tennis tournament, among numerous events that than hockey. see a large number of people gather to be entertained.

Somewhere in that avalanche of bad news it became painfully clear the NHL would be left with no choice but to take its own hiatus less than four Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.13.2020 weeks from the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

And that’s exactly what happened following a 1 p.m. ET conference call with the league’s board of governors. There was no formal vote on the call, just a discussion about next steps.

It’s all pretty fluid.

Players were encouraged to distance themselves from each other while awaiting further word. They’ve been told not to travel, meet or practice.

“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,” the NHL said in a statement. “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.”

It’s an admirable goal, but it’s far from a certainty.

This issue is bigger than any sporting concern, or any business interest, and where we go from here is unclear.

There is still some hope that even a protracted playoffs can be salvaged even if it means playing games into the summer. That’s probably the best-case scenario and it’s entirely dependent on the spread of COVID- 19.

A paused season will unleash some negative economic impacts — including increased escrow payments and a lower salary cap in 2020-21 — and the March 23 and April 4 paycheques still due to players probably aren’t coming now.

However, none of those things trump public safety in the face of a global pandemic.

“The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time,” the NHL Players’ Association said in a statement. “The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

The day where the sports world fell quiet began with many NHLers reporting to the rink for their usual game-day routines before quickly being sent home. That included members of the Toronto Maple Leafs, some of whom told security personnel “see you in a couple weeks” on their way out of Scotiabank Arena.

At least one road team began making travel plans home in the afternoon before its Thursday evening game was officially cancelled. 1180780 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Gary Bettman wanted to get ahead on decision to 'pause' NHL season

Sportsnet Staff | @Sportsnet

March 12, 2020, 10:30 PM

While no NHL player has tested positive for COVID-19, commissioner Gary Bettman was not willing to take a chance, leading to the league’s decision to pause the 2019-20 season.

Bettman said he came to decision Wednesday night after the NBA announced that a player tested positive, but wanted to talk with the NHL Board of Governors before making a formal announcement, which came Thursday afternoon.

“The last couple of weeks, we, like everybody else, have been monitoring what’s been going on, and we went from dealing with things on a day-to- day basis to an hour-by-hour basis, and then it was in minutes,” Bettman told CNBC. “And we were constantly evolving our strategy as to how we were going to have our teams playing or not playing, or under what circumstances.

“But last night, when the NBA had a positive test and they had to cancel a game at that moment, it was clear to me. And through all of our calculus, we knew that once a player tested positive, it would be a game- changer.

“I decided it was time to get ahead of it and not wait for one of our players to get tested, because in all likelihood, at some point in time, we weren’t going to get through the rest of the season without a player testing positive.”

Bettman added that he is not sure how far into the summer the NHL could push the schedule as the league is taking a day-to-day approach with the development of the coronavirus.

He also wanted to make it clear that the season is on “pause” because it is his hope that things can go back to normal when it’s safe to do so.

“I’m a little hesitant to use the word suspension, because our hope and our expectation is, when things get back to normal and it’s safe and it’s prudent, that we can go back and resume the season and ultimately have the Stanley Cup awarded,” he said.

“… My hope is that at some point we’ll get back to some normalcy, and that’s not just my hope for the NHL, and it’s not just my hope for all sports, it’s my hope for everything that’s going on.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180781 Websites Greeted by the handshake and the western charm, he took a chance on me as a sports scribe.

The ultimate jock, he loved talking and playing sports, and knew their Sportsnet.ca / Ken Kings' firm handshake and dedication were driving importance in Alberta. force behind Flames After working tirelessly behind the scenes to support a Save the Flames campaign, he was hired in 2001 by the Flames owners to run the team.

Eric Francis | @EricFrancis It was the perfect gig for a man who could both charm the masses, while also clamping down on the type of hard, internal decisions that needed to March 13, 2020, 12:48 AM be made. His business acumen was as legendary as his dedication to the city.

The owners loved him for all he did on their behalf, including his tireless CALGARY – That handshake. work as the driving force behind the new arena that took him 14 years to It’s what commanded the attention of anyone who ever met Ken King. nail down.

It dwarfed the hand of most, and was almost always accompanied by a The last handful of those frustrating years came while he was quietly devious smile and tug towards his formidable frame. battling cancer that ultimately spread to his brain and his spine, forcing him to a wheelchair his last few months. It demanded your respect and was held just long enough to let you know he was in control. He survived many years longer than doctors expected, thanks in the end to experimental drugs he knew bought him more time to complete his That’s just the way the pride of Hanley, Sask., always liked it – with him legacy project – the event centre. setting the terms of any encounter from the start. “It’s an amazing thing, the human body and brain, and he was totally His were the hands that guided the Calgary Flames for two decades, until focused on a new event centre to the city,” said Bean. he passed away following a lengthy cancer battle Wednesday at 68. “He was integral right up until December, whenever we signed all those Through endless crises and celebrations on and off the ice, he was a documents, and provided unbelievable advice and guidance to all of us man of tremendous passion and dedication, who was never shy to raise to get it done. It was one of those projects for him he was so passionate his fists in celebration or fury. about. He had an unbelievable drive on every aspect he undertook. He was a large man of stature – almost larger than life – and commanded They were also the hands that authored the demise of anyone who ever the room whenever he walked in. With that energy, he tackled so many teed it up with him on the golf course. things.” “Anyone who golfed with Ken knows, he had the scorecard, and it took The man who worked a room better than anyone I ever saw was forced scientists to figure out all the dollars that changed hands at the end of the the last three or four years to abandon the handshake he was so proudly day,” said Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation President and known for. CEO John Bean, before adding a rare claim It was replaced by fist bumps, as he worried his increasingly rare public “I took money from him, absolutely. And I was proud to do it. And he appearances would expose his immune-deficient body to dangerous knows it.” viruses. He might have been the only one. The day Jarome Iginla had his number retired King shared with me his Every game started with a carefully crafted dissertation from King on how rare nerves, as his leg wasn’t cooperating fully, making the very public many strokes every player would get or give him, with a blatant disregard step up to the luncheon podium for his speech a scary one. He endured. for the handicaps offered up. He always did.

A wordsmith whose speeches around town were as eloquent as any in While many in and around the organization know of his valiant battle, he the province, the former newspaper publisher would punctuate the wanted it kept quiet, telling me one day, “I’m not letting this define me in receipt of post-game payment with little more than that grin. any way.”

For many years he wore that smile ever-so-proudly into the Flames Over an emotional lunch between the two of us almost a year ago he told dressing room after games, slapping the backs of journalists as he me of his newfound love of dropping into local casinos to play poker. walked in, exchanging small talk with everyone. His rule, there was no hockey talk – just cards, and all the wonderful He had a line for everything. games within the game it involved.

“I remember my first interview I went to shake his hand and he drilled me At lunch he pulled out a fat billfold, proudly declaring the windfalls he so in the side of my arm and almost knocked my arm off – that was Ken,” often enjoyed on the golf course were still possible. said Flames GM Brad Treliving. Despite his severe weight loss and radiation treatments, he swore he “One of the things I always admired about him was he was a wonderful played some of the best golf of his life last summer. I shuddered at how public speaker. I’d call him on it sometimes and say, ‘that’s not even a much that would cost me. word.’ He’d show me that it was.’” When he missed the Flames recent poker tournament I knew he had to King long showed the way for a Flames ownership group that wanted be in bad shape, as he loved gatherings like that more than anyone. nothing to do with the spotlight. King was their frontman – their eyes, Last week, King rolled into the Scotiabank Saddledome to make his final ears and their mouthpiece, prompting him to take endless bullets from visit, taking the time to chat with the coaches and several players. frustrated fans over various team shortcomings. “He always loved coming down and seeing the guys,” said Treliving. As the publisher of both major dailies in Calgary over the course of almost three decades, and as the Flames boss, he had a reputation for “I know that meant a lot to the guys. He knew a little tidbit on each guy. being hard to work for. He liked that – he was a guy’s guy.”

“You talk about an explosive personality – he was a sight to behold,” said His love for wife Marilyn and daughters Amanda and Jocelin were rivalled Treliving, who saw every side of King. only by his four grandchildren, who he strived to spend as much time as possible with after receiving his diagnosis. “But he’s a foxhole guy. When bleep was rolling downhill, he was a guy you wanted to be in a foxhole with.” Commissioner Gary Bettman saluted King as a champion of all Calgary sports. I met King in 1994 when, as the publisher of the Calgary Sun, he invited me out from Ontario for a job interview. “His staunch advocacy for the arena project that will guarantee the Flames’ long-term viability in Calgary will serve as a legacy of his devotion to the city – Ken was a friend and I will miss him greatly,” said Bettman.

“He was a trusted confidant to all of the Flames owners, both past and present, and we all learned so much from him,” added Flames co-owner Murray Edwards.

“My partners and I will miss our frequent conversations with our dear friend.”

As will I. I’ll miss his advice, his wit, his handshake, but most of all his friendship – he was always happy to take my money any time we teed it up.

“He could be intimidating, but at the end of the day he was just a big teddy bear,” said longtime Calgary publisher Guy Huntingford.

“For me, he was so thoughtful, which you might not expect from somebody who ran his organizations as a tough customer. But my god, if he was in your camp he’d go to the end of the world for you.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.13.2020 1180782 Websites The players and coaches are millionaires. The rest of us will find things other than NHL hockey to occupy our evenings.

It’s the people who work at the buildings across the league — Rogers Sportsnet.ca / NHL players reflect on NBA shutdown as waiting game Place has 300 full-time employees and as many as 1,600 part-timers — with season starts who will truly do without, if this expected stoppage is extended into the summer.

Let’s hope they’re playing NHL hockey again soon. Because that will Mark Spector | @sportsnetspec mean our world is back to normal.

March 12, 2020, 1:40 AM “I want it undistracted with fans in the building,” said Maurice. “We may not be able to get all of that, but you want a healthy, positive outcome for

everyone. Short of that, we want everyone safe. But I’d like to go into EDMONTON — As the pregame supper wrapped up, a press room full of games feeling that hockey is the most important thing in your day that monitors usually reserved for National Hockey League games had one day.” TV that was airing one of the stranger basketball situations we’ve seen. It By the way. The Jets won 4-2. looked like a trainer running out on the court, right before tip-off, telling the referee something.

Something serious. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.13.2020 Upstairs, the Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton Oilers had played about 10 minutes of hockey at Rogers Place when it was announced that the reason they had cancelled that NBA game at the last second was because Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert had reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Before the first period was over, the National Basketball Association had suspended its season.

And before an entire hour had passed, we realized it: This game between the Oilers and the Jets was very likely the last NHL game played on Canadian soil — or anywhere else — for an unknown amount of time.

“I was talking to Leon (Draisaitl) before the second period,” said Jets captain Blake Wheeler, “And he asked me if I had heard about the NBA? And the refs were talking about it too. It’s an usual kind of night overall. The way things have unfolded the last few days, everything pretty much leading up to the game was talking about this.”

Usually, when the NHL decides it is time to stop playing scheduled games — as we fully expect the league to announce on Thursday morning — it is because of labour unrest. Owners’ greed. Players’ entitlement. Or a mixture of each, depending on where you stand.

But those stoppages plodded towards us like a tanker in the distance, growing just a little bigger each morning as we awoke and looked out on the hockey horizon. We all just assumed they would stop short of shore, until the times they did not.

But this? The coronavirus came on faster and with far less predictability.

One minute they’re calling off a soccer game in Italy, the next they’re playing the NCAA tournament in ghost gyms. And the next, the NBA — which shares 11 rinks with NHL teams — is calling it a day.

“I was talking to (Jets winger) Andrew Copp before the game,” said Wheeler. “Saying it’s going to be wild looking at our phones after the game. We barely got the puck dropped and the dominoes were already falling. It’s a crazy time right now.

“The NBA was kind of a shock. What it was going to take was a player getting sick. And then from there, there is really no choice. It just seems like it’s a waiting game and you don’t know what’s going to happen next.”

The various scenarios are relatively clear — and we’d bet the house that Thursday’s NHL announcement will mirror the NBA’s decree of a hiatus of undetermined length. After that, whether the NHL starts up again in two weeks, begins some truncated playoffs a month from now, or doesn’t complete the 2019-20 season at all…

Who can say they have a clue of what awaits us, more than a century after the Spanish flu costs the league it’s 1918 post-season?

Dave Tippett has spent a lifetime in the game. He barely knew what to say after Wednesday’s game.

“There is a feeling of bewilderment,” Tippett said. “You understand that this is a world health crisis, but we have never gone through anything like this and there has been nothing that has affected the game like this. You understand when you are going through lockouts and things like that, that there is a business part of the game. But this is a health part of the game, a life part of the game. It affects everybody, not just sports. It is a turbulent time in the world and we will just have to deal with it as it comes.” 1180783 Websites rides on game nights, the bartender in the arena district restaurant and the freelance journalist who may not be able to pay his or her rent this month now.

TSN.CA / The day the rinks went dark That journalist had so many stories left to write.

We wanted to know if Auston Matthews would break the Maple Leafs’ franchise goal record, who would win one of the best Rocket Richard Frank Seravalli races ever, if the Sens would finish Derniere for Alexis Lafreniere and whether the Jets would make it five Canadian clubs in the chase for Lord

Stanley. Thursday will be remembered as the day the rinks went dark. Those quests feel insignificant in the big picture now. The lights have been turned off before. The NHL has stickhandled But that’s just it. We do not know, but that fear of the unknown can’t around three lockouts in the last two decades. The Stanley Cup itself become overwhelming. even went unawarded in 1919 as a result of the Spanish flu, another pandemic that took the life of Hall of Famer Joe Hall. “Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we may complete the season and award the Stanley Cup,” Bettman This feels different – mostly for fear of the unknown. said. The NHL officially hit pause on the 2019-20 season on Thursday, an If the NHL is focused on potentially resuming play in three weeks, as one unprecedented step amid the COVID-19 outbreak that has ground life NHL governor suggested to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, it will all around us to a halt. Nearly every major entertainment institution on the depend on the health of players, how many (if any) have contracted planet has followed suit, from March Madness to Disneyland. coronavirus, and recommendations from the health community. NHL suspends regular season, will resume play 'as soon as it is There is a roadmap to play, to finish the regular season and still complete appropriate' the Stanley Cup playoffs in a way that doesn't wade deep into summer. After a conference call between the NHL board of governors, the league We don’t have to look far to find it. has agreed to suspend its regular season indefinitely, with all games In 2012-13, the 48-game lockout-shortened regular season was slated to go on Thursday night being paused. The NHL released a completed on April 28. The playoffs didn’t begin until April 30 and the statement saying that they will resume play "as soon as it is appropriate Stanley Cup was hoisted on June 24, which would still allow for an on- and prudent." time NHL Draft as scheduled in Montreal on June 26-27. Kids were sent home from school, parents were sent home from work In 1994-95, the playoffs didn’t begin until May 6 and Bettman still and travel restrictions have been put in place. You can’t help but feel like awarded the Stanley Cup on the same June 24 date. It can be done – the world changed in a big way over the last 24 hours. This is uncharted and the NHL can get even more creative with a willing partner in the territory with disruptions never before felt. NHLPA to play as late as necessary to keep the tradition going. And in times like these, on a day that felt like it belonged in the movie But all of that speculation can wait. Contagion, we usually look toward the ice to escape. On the day the rinks went dark, it’s best to remember that the lights have But the AHL and all three Canadian major junior leagues are on hold as always eventually flipped back on. we rightfully snapped our complete attention to this global health emergency.

Hockey Canada has even cancelled all sanctioned levels of minor TSN.CA LOADED: 03.13.2020 hockey, including provincial and national championships.

It is unsettling. All of those things tug at the fabric of daily life in Canada.

We don’t know when the NHL will resume, or even if this season will resume, and we certainly don’t know what comes next.

The NHL stars we look to •– the ones who seemingly have all the answers in the most pressure-packed moments – are left asking the same existential questions as the rest of us today.

First and foremost is the health and safety of NHL players, team personnel and their families. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in his statement that “news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus, given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms … it is no longer appropriate to try and continue to play games at this time.” That was one of the tipping points, why the NHL had little choice but to stop, and it’s easy to connect the dots between that close contact and the players’ families.

The NHL’s players said goodbye to teammates on Thursday not knowing when they will be together again. The NHL is formalizing a plan designed to limit interaction and workouts, cut off practice sessions and team gatherings – all designed to isolate and limit the spread of coronavirus, which can be passed along asymptomatically.

For some players, it was a different kind of goodbye, some wondering whether they packed their equipment Thursday for the last time in an NHL locker room. Nearly a quarter of the league (163 players) is made up of pending unrestricted free agents, many of whom will not be re- signed if the season is over.

And yet, this season’s suspension isn’t just about millionaire players and billionaire owners – or whether untold hundreds of millions of dollars could be lost.

There is an economy of sport that cannot be fully calculated. This pause hits hard the vendor selling popcorn, the Uber driver banking on extra 1180784 Websites

TSN.CA / Timeline: How COVID-19 impacted the NHL

Frank Seravalli

The NHL hit pause on the 2019-20 season on Thursday, an unprecedented step to slow the spread of COVID-19. Virtually every major hockey league in the world, with the exception of Russia's KHL, has halted play – including the AHL, all three Canadian major junior leagues, and most top European leagues.

How did we get here?

Here is a timeline of the spread of COVID-19 and how it is has impacted the entire hockey world:

Jan. 11: China reports the first death in Wuhan province, where the novel coronavirus – later identified as COVID-19 – is believed to have originated.

Jan. 30: The World Health Organization (WHO) declares a global health emergency.

Feb. 23: The number of infections spike across Europe. Italy begins lock downs in Lombardy region.

Feb. 28: Switzerland’s National A League becomes the first hockey league in the world ordered to play games without fans, putting the National Hockey League on alert.

March 2: NHL holds GM Meetings in Boca Raton, Fla., where commissioner Gary Bettman says league employees have been barred from overseas travel. There are no restrictions put in place for team personnel and scout travel. When asked by ESPN.com about the potential of NHL playing games absent of fans in arenas, deputy commissioner Bill Daly said: “I think it's very unlikely – knock on wood, I'm hopeful – that we would progress to a stage where we have to consider something that dramatic.” Bettman says it would be “premature to pick any one of the possibilities.”

March 5: Santa Clara (Calif.) County, home of the San Jose Sharks, issues a recommendation to avoid mass gatherings of more than 1,000 people. The Sharks announce they will continue to play games as scheduled.

March 7: IIHF announces cancellation of the 2020 Women’s World Championship to be played in April in Halifax and Truro, N.S.

March 9: NHL, NBA, MLB and MLS issue an unprecedented joint statement closing dressing rooms to media, limiting access only to essential personnel. The Public Health Agency of Canada announces the first coronavirus-related death in the country in British Columbia … Santa Clara County changes recommendation to an outright ban on mass gatherings. Sharks announce they will abide by the ban.

March 10: Ohio, California and the city of Philadelphia issue similar recommendations to avoid mass gatherings ... German, Austrian, Norwegian and Polish professional hockey leagues cancel the remainder of their season, including playoffs ... But the seriousness of the Coronavirus impact remained lost in most NHL dressing rooms, as Blackhawks defenceman Connor Murphy told reporters: "As long as we don't pick our nose too much, we should be good."

March 11: Ohio governor Mike DeWine announces ban on all mass gatherings, including Columbus Blue Jackets home games. Blue Jackets announce they will abide by the ban and prepare to face Pittsburgh Penguins in the absence of fans.

March 12: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announces the NHL's 2019- 20 season has been paused, suspended indefinitely with the intent to resume when it is "appropriate and prudent." The AHL, Canadian Hockey League follow suit ... Switzerland cancels remainder of A season.

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TSN.CA / Trying to make sense of a potential 70-game NHL season

Travis Yost

What does a 70-game National Hockey League season mean?

It’s really the only question I could bring attention to considering everything else going on, especially since it feels like we are mere hours away from the suspension of the season. The NHL, like every major industry, is grappling with the reality that their business is heading for a rapid and immediate change because of the coronavirus, and the uncertainty around the next few months is omnipresent.

It did give me some time to think about how to wrap up the 2019-20 regular season if this truly is the end point (the regular season may return at a later date; the league may also decide to flip this right to the postseason when everything calms).

We have a clear-cut Presidents’ Trophy winner in the Boston Bruins, and at least two presumptive divisional winners in the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights. On points pace, we would probably award the Central Division to the St. Louis Blues (1.32 per-game) over the Colorado Avalanche (1.31 per-game).

But what about those compelling playoff races further down the standings? I’m reminded of a post written by Phil Birnbaum years ago, where he estimated it took a whopping 73 regular-season games for talent to overwhelm luck in the standings. Birnbaum attributed this to, among other things, the incentive for teams to generally play into those three-point games that seem to tie the standings up in knots.

We are about a week or so away from that 73-game mark, and so we would expect that standings placement – if this is the end – is an accurate reflection of what we have seen from a team talent perspective. There are a number of ways to model this out, but I prefer PythagenPuck, which can calculate win probabilities based on goal differentials and extrapolate that out to expected standings points.

If we take a goal differential-driven approach to win probability and measure it against actual standings points we can see which teams may have overperformed or underperformed their position in the standings and what that may have meant to the stretch run heading into April.

Most of the standings look the same, but there are a few outliers on both ends of the spectrum. Look at the Arizona Coyotes and Carolina Hurricanes, two teams that are in the middle of a playoff dogfight. If you look at the respective goal differentials of each club, we would assess them to be about eight and seven points on the unlucky side, respectively. Those points are lost, regardless of what happens going forward, but it lends credence to the idea that these teams – assuming all other variables held equal – would be likely to take a higher proportion of expected points in the final month of the season based on how they played to date.

On the other side of that coin you have the Calgary Flames. Calgary has 79 standings points and a 63 per cent chance of making the playoffs – in other words, the team is in a fairly decent spot to reach the playoffs with either the third slot in the Pacific Division or one of the two wild-card berths. But Calgary has carried a -10 goal differential through the regular season; compare that to teams they are fighting with in Arizona (+7), Minnesota (+1), Nashville (-2), Winnipeg (+12), and Vancouver (+10). All of those teams have considerably better numbers over the course of the season, but the daylight in the standings between them and a club like Calgary is non-existent.

In short: I don’t think a truncated regular season prevents us from understanding who the best team has been this season (clearly Boston), but those remaining 10-12 games would have been critical in separating a number of teams at the playoff cutline.

It’s a shame we will likely miss a compelling race to the finish, but right now there are simply bigger issues to tackle.

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USA TODAY / NHL suspends regular season games indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic

Chris Bumbaca

The NHL has followed the NBA's lead by suspending games across the league indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. No timetable has been set for when the contests may resume.

“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 league said in a statement released Thursday afternoon.

“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.”

The league had announced Wednesday night it would consult with medical experts in the wake of the NBA's decision, which occurred after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert received a preliminary positive test for coronavirus. Unlike in the NBA, no NHL player has tested positive for coronavirus.

Coronavirus, scientifically known as COVID-19, has infected more than 1,300 individuals in the U.S., resulting in 39 deaths as of Thursday afternoon. Health experts have called for large gatherings to be limited.

The NHL had not played games on four other occasions, but that was because of labor disputes: a 1992 strike and lockouts in 1995, 2004 and 2012. The 2004 lockout cost the league an entire season.

The 1919 Stanley Cup was not awarded because the series between the NHL champion Montreal Canadiens and the Pacific Coast Hockey Association champion Seattle Metropolitans was called off after five games because of the Spanish influenza epidemic.

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