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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Elite League Ice Hockey season cancelled in wake of coronavirus crisis

The current Elite League ice hockey season has been cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

It was confirmed on Friday that the current campaign will not be completed.

Bosses at the 10 Elite League clubs have cancelled all of their matches with immediate effect.

The Belfast Giants posted an update on Friday after it was confirmed the current season was over.

"League chiefs had hoped to complete the regular season and in the wake of last evening’s government guidelines, based on the up-to-the-minute scientific advice to allow sporting fixtures to continue, that seemed possible," the Giants said.

"League bosses staged an emergency conference call after the Government’s latest announcement on the coronavirus outbreak. Impending restrictions on crowd sizes in Scotland were an issue that was being further considered overnight.

"However, since then two teams have now reported they have players in self-isolation purely as a precaution but the health and safety of our fans, players and staff has to be paramount.

"In the wake of that news, the Elite League has no choice but to shut down the rest of the season.

"The league feels it has taken its ‘can-do, will-do’ efforts to the limit and whilst the outcome is sure to disappointment fans across the country there was no alternative in these unprecedented times.

"We are confident everyone will understand the rationale behind the league’s decision."

Further announcements are expected to follow next week.

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