MOLINE, ILLINOIS (March 16, 2020) — On 15 March, The Southern Professional Hockey League out of Huntersville, North Carolina, announced its Board of Governors voted unanimously to cancel of the remainder of the 2019-2020 regular season and playoffs.

SPHL Commissioner Doug Price made the following statement:

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The decision made to cancel the remainder of the regular season and playoffs was extremely difficult. Difficult in the fact that it brings a premature end to what was shaping up to be a tremendous and potentially historic finish to the season. Two teams were tied for first place, two points separated third through sixth place, and one point separated the final four teams. We were all very excited for the last several weeks of hockey.

But what was not difficult was knowing it was absolutely the responsible decision. It was a decision for our players, coaches, and game officials. It was a decision for our fans, team staff, and arena personnel. What we are all facing right now is bigger than the SPHL, bigger than hockey, and bigger than sports.

With state mandates already preventing multiple teams from playing until at least May 1, and the uncertainty surrounding what additional restrictions may be forthcoming, we needed to take a step back and focus on the safety of those who make the SPHL great, from players to parking attendants. Jeopardizing even one person’s health in an attempt to continue the season is not a risk we were willing to even remotely consider. That is not who we are as a league, because we too are a league of husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons, and daughters.

To our fans, I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this unprecedented series of events. I know you are as disappointed as we are. However, the Board of Governors and I will continue to work diligently over the next few days, weeks, and months in anticipation of a return to normalcy and the start of 2020-2021 season. Please continue to support your favorite SPHL team and when we open the arena doors again, we hope to see you there. Back cheering and booing as only hockey fans can. The greatest sports fans in the world.

Be safe and be strong.

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The same day, Brian Rothenberger, the Director Of Communications and Operations for The Quad City Storm Hockey, made his statement:

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It is with heavy hearts we announce the remainder of the 2019-2020 season has been cancelled per the decision made earlier today by the SPHL. We are incredibly disappointed for our fans, players, and staff but fully support the leagues decision to ensure the well-being of everyone involved. We are committed to taking the steps to do what is right for our greatest fans and supporters.

Sponsors, groups, and season ticket-holders will be contacted by the Storm front office this week. Anyone who bought single-game tickets online through Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded within five to seven business days. Tickets purchased through the box office must be returned to the TaxSlayer Center for a refund.

The Storm front office is not allowing visitors at this time. We appreciate your patience and ask that you send all questions to info@quadcitystorm.com or call the Storm front office at 309-277-1364.

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