Coronavirus continues to have an effect on North American sports, including the minor leagues.
On Thursday, the American Hockey League announced it would delay the start of the 2020-21 season because of the coronavirus. This comes months after the league ended its season and canceled its playoffs over COVID-19 concerns.
“At the recommendation of the AHL’s Return to Play Task Force, the Board of Governors has approved the moving the anticipated start of the 2020-21 regular season to December 4, 2020, due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis,” the AHL said in a statement. “The AHL will continue to work with its member clubs to monitor developments and local guidelines in all 31 league cities.”
The 2019-20 season marked the first time in league history the Calder Cup was not awarded.
The NHL returned this week, with teams playing exhibition games in two bubble cities as they prepare for the league restart on Saturday.