Top-level professional hockey leagues in Germany (DEL) and Austria (EBEL) have canceled the remainder of their seasons due to the coronavirus outbreak in Europe, the IIHF confirmed Wednesday.
"We are incredibly sorry for all clubs, partners, and in particular the fans in entire Germany that we had to take this decision," DEL league manager Gernot Tripcke said. "However, due to the current development, we have the duty to deal responsibly with the situation. We as DEL put the health of our fans, players, and employees in focus."
The cancellations mark the first time since World War II that the German and Austrian leagues won't crown champions. The DEL regular season recently ended and the EBEL had started its playoffs before the countries implemented rules barring gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
"We experience an exceptional situation that hit many areas of our lives," EBEL league manager Christian Feichtinger said. "Even though the decision hurts, we saw it as our responsibility to make our contribution to return to normality as soon as possible. The decision to cancel the championship was taken together by the league board and the club representatives. A continuation of the championship in front of empty stands would not have been an option for us because our sport lives from emotions and the sensational atmosphere in the arenas."
The EBEL features eight teams from Austria and one from each of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Italy - one of the countries worst affected by the outbreak.
Several other European leagues remain in action, but smaller ones in Poland, Slovakia, and Asia have also shut down.
The NHL is monitoring the situation as well. The San Jose Sharks face the prospect of playing in an empty arena when they return from their current road trip, while the league and the Columbus Blue Jackets decided to proceed with normal arena operations despite the recommendation of Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine for all sporting events to be played without spectators.
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