The Belleville Senators won’t be seeing each other any time soon.
While the American Hockey League had hoped to start on Dec. 1, the board of governors circled Feb. 5 as a start date during a conference call Wednesday afternoon, which means the Ottawa Senators’ top affiliate will be sidelined for at least another three months.
“The AHL continues to work with its member clubs to monitor developments and local guidelines in all 31 league cities,” the league said in a statement. “Further details regarding the 2020-21 season are still to be determined.”
And that’s a big problem because nobody knows where this virus is headed. The NHL is still hoping to start in January, but there’s a lot of logistics involved to make that reality. The AHL usually follows whatever path the NHL takes, so it was surprising the minor league made a decision first.
Belleville hasn’t suited up since early March when the league went on pause.
“The health and safety of Belleville Senators fans, partners, players and staff remain the organization’s highest priority, and we encourage everyone to continue prioritizing your health and that of others as we continue measures to limit the spread of COVID-19,” the club said in a statement posted on its website.
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