Penguins' minor league affiliates halt play

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.

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