AHL on the verge of canceling 2019-20 season

The 31-team AHL joined the NHL in suspending its season on March 12, but it might be the first to decide to cancel the rest of the 2019-20 campaign. 

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the AHL board is holding an important phone call on Friday and could be getting ready for a tough announcement on Monday. 

“No official announcement from the AHL is expected before Monday morning (on potentially cancelling the rest of the season).”

Last month, it was reported by many insiders that the AHL was likely to cancel the remainder of its season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Bruce Garrioch points out, 75-to-85% of AHL revenues for teams come from ticket sales. Therefore, empty rinks make zero sense for the league.

No announcement was made since the rumour surfaced, but it could be coming on Monday. 

Many fans wonder if the NHL will be forced to follow in the American League’s footsteps.