NAHL announces cancelation of entire 2019-20 season due to COVID-19
The North American Hockey League has announced that the current 2019-20 season, including the 2020 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs and Championship, have all been canceled due to the International medical emergency caused by COVID-19 and pandemic.
Statement from NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld:
“The NAHL and its Board of Governors did everything in our power to preserve a modified playoff and Robertson Cup Finals to ensure our players had every opportunity to compete for and win a Robertson Cup Championship. The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation of canceling all events of 50 or more people during the next eight weeks made that reality impossible without dramatically disrupting the rest of our hockey calendar. All NAHL teams will move forward with their tryout camp schedule, which is currently outside the CDC window.”
“We have had an incredible and memorable 2019-20 season up until this point, so this is a very sad day for everyone associated with the NAHL. We share that disappointment with all of our teams, parents, billet families, staff, sponsors, and fans. However, the biggest disappointment we have today is for our players. They are the backbone of the NAHL and we are blessed to have some incredible players and talent in our league. However, the safety of our hockey community, including all of our players, is our top priority and the decision to cancel the remainder of the season was necessary and in the best interest of everyone involved,” continued Frankenfeld.
In addition to the NAHL canceling the remainder of the season, the NAHL also announced that all 2020 NAHL Combines, the Prep Invitational in Chicago in late March, and the 18U Top Prospects Tournament in Blaine in May, have all been suspended. The NAHL is committed to rescheduling these events as soon as possible.
In the coming weeks, the NAHL will announce its 2019-20 season awards. The 2020 NAHL Draft is scheduled to take place online at nahl.com on Tuesday, June 2nd at 1pm (central) and can also be seen live on HockeyTV.
Ticket Refund Information
Single Game Ticket Buyers –Those that purchased with a credit card may have the money refunded directly to their card. Cash or Check transactions will be refunded or can be used as a voucher for the 2020-2021 season.
Season Ticket Holders& 5-Game Membership Holders- Steel representatives will be in contact with season ticket holders.
Online Orders- purchased through chippewasteelhockey.com will be automatically refunded to the purchaser’s card.
All refunds can be accepted at Chippewa Area Ice Arena (839 1st Ave). If you have any questions please contact the front office at 715-861-2131
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The Chippewa Steel are members of the NAHL which is the oldest and largest junior hockey league of its kind in the United States and one of only two USA Hockey-certified leagues that operate under the non-pay-to-play model. The NAHL is also one of the best at advancing players to NCAA and professional hockey. Notable Alumni of the NAHL include Ryan Suter (MIN), Patrick Kane (CHI) and Phil Kessel (ARI) All league games are viewable via HockeyTV. For more information, visit chippewasteelhockey.com.