AHL cancels remainder of 2019-20 season

AHL cancels remainder of 2019-20 season
The Grand Rapids Griffins were on pace to go to their eighth consecutive Calder Cup playoffs. The team finished their season in third place in the Central Division with a 29-27-3-4 record (0.516). <strong>Photo by Sam Iannamico/Griffins</strong>

The American Hockey League’s board of governors canceled the remainder of the 2019-20 AHL regular season and the 2020 Calder Cup playoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After a lengthy review process, the American Hockey League has determined that the resumption and completion of the 2019-20 season is not feasible in light of current conditions,” AHL President and CEO David Andrews said in a statement. “The league’s operational focus has turned toward actively preparing for the 2020-21 season.

“We are very grateful to the National Hockey League and its teams for their support and leadership in navigating through the challenges faced over the past two months. The AHL continues to place paramount importance on the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans and all of their families, and we all look forward to returning to our arenas in 2020-21.”

The AHL’s standings — sorted by points percentage — and statistics as of March 12 are considered final and official. The Griffins were on pace to go to its eighth consecutive Calder Cup playoffs. The team finished their season in third place in the Central Division with a 29-27-3-4 record (0.516).

“As difficult as this decision was for the AHL and its 31 member teams, the unanimous approval by the league’s board of governors underscores that it was absolutely the right decision in light of the pandemic still sweeping the globe,” Griffins President Tim Gortsema said. “While we all miss sports, and hockey in particular, we recognize that the continued health and safety of our players, staff and fans will always take precedence.”

Grand Rapids Griffins season ticket members and FLEX ticket buyers will receive an email from the team this week regarding refund, redemption and credit rollover options for the 2020-21 season. Single-game ticket purchasers for any of the final seven home games of the 2019-20 regular season who have not already received refunds or credits can visit the Griffins’ canceled game FAQ page for information on their options.

“Our front office team is already hard at work contacting impacted ticket buyers and corporate sponsors with solutions and ideas as we eagerly prepare for what we anticipate will be a momentous 25th anniversary season of Griffins hockey,” Gortsema said.