The QMJHL, NBLC and NLL joined a rapidly growing number of sports leagues to suspend operations on Thursday because of the Coronavirus.
The lacrosse circuit shut down early in the day and the Q and Canada's basketball league followed suit a few hours later.
"The National Lacrosse League has determined that it is in the best interests of our fans, our players, our coaches and our staff to temporarily suspend play until further notice due to concerns over COVID-19," read the NLL statement. "We will continue to evaluate this situation and remain in constant communication with health, team, business and league officials across North America.
"Security and safety is our top priority and focus in these challenging and unprecedented times, and we will continue to provide updates on resumption and rescheduling of play as they are determined."
The Halifax Thunderbirds were scheduled to face the Rochester Knighthawks on the road on Saturday. The team's final regular season game is slated for April 25 at home against the Toronto Rock but everything is up in the air until further notice.
The Halifax Mooseheads were supposed to play the Moncton Wildcats on the road on Friday and their season finale was to be a rematch between the teams next Saturday at the Scotiabank Centre.
"Following consultation with medical professionals and meetings today among the CHL Executive Council, and regional league Board of Governors, the CHL announces that the balance of the 2019-20 season and all hockey activity shall be paused immediately until further notice."
The NBLC's Halifax Hurricanes were scheduled to play the Sudbury Five on the road on Saturday and are roughly one month from the end of their regular season.
"NBL Canada is committed to the health and safety of our players, officials, fans, staff and general public. The league will continue to closely monitor the latest updates from public health agencies daily and assess the situation accordingly."
The Canadian Premier League doesn't start for another month so there is less urgency related to HFX Wanderers FC. The soccer league did send out a news release on Thursday acknowledging the issue and announcing its establishment of a working committee to monitor the situation closely.
"The League has been working around the clock with input from relevant government agencies and medical experts to do our part in combating this public health crisis. The health and safety of our players, staff, fans and partners is of the utmost importance as we manage through this situation. We will continue following the guidelines set forth by our public health authorities and government agencies.
"It is important to note that the CPL’s season does not start until April 11th and we are not playing in public venues at this time. We will maintain our consistent dialogue both internally and externally and as more information becomes available, we will continue to provide public updates. This includes details about potentially rescheduling or postponing matches."
Canadian Football League commissioner Randy Ambrosie also cancelled his March 19 town hall visit to Halifax on Thursday.
“Atlantic Canada is an important part of the CFL family and the health of every member of that family is our primary concern,” Ambrosie said in a news release.
“This is a disappointing but necessary decision, given the concerns about large gatherings. In absolutely no way does this dampen our enthusiasm about our Touchdown Atlantic game in Halifax this summer or the prospects for a CFL team in Atlantic Canada in the future.
“I look forward to visiting the region as soon as circumstances allow and I thank our fans and everyone involved for their understanding and patience.”
