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HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – The Southern Professional Hockey League today announced its Board of Governors voted unanimously to cancel of the remainder of the 2019-2020 regular season and playoffs.

“The decision made to cancel the remainder of the regular season and playoffs was extremely difficult,” said SPHL Commissioner Doug Price. “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.”

Originally, the league was suspended amidst the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) but with state mandates already preventing multiple teams from playing until at least May 1 and the uncertainty surrounding what additional restrictions may be forthcoming, Price said it was 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,” he said. “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.”

Price thanked the fans for their understanding and patience during a difficult time, as they and everyone goes through unchartered territory.

“To our fans, I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this unprecedented series of events,” he said. “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 2020-21 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.”