GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The American Hockey League on Monday announced that the league’s Board of Governors has voted to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 AHL regular season and the 2020 Calder Cup Playoffs due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. That cancellation also impacts of course the remainder of the Grand Rapids Griffins season.
AHL president and CEO David Andrews said in a statement: “After a lengthy review process, the American Hockey League has determined that the resumption and completion of the 2019-20 season is not feasible in light of current conditions. “The league’s operational focus has turned toward actively preparing for the 2020-21 season. The AHL continues to place paramount importance on the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans and all of their families, and we all look forward to returning to our arenas in 2020-21.”
Holders of Grand Rapids Griffins season ticket packages and FLEX ticket plans will receive an email from the team this week regarding refund, redemption and credit rollover options for the 2020-21 season. Single-game ticket purchasers for any of the final seven home games of the 2019-20 regular season who have not already received refunds or credits can visit the Griffins’ canceled game FAQ page for information on their options.
Griffins president Tim Gortsema added, "As difficult as this decision was for the AHL and its 31 member teams, the unanimous approval by the league's Board of Governors underscores that it was absolutely the right decision in light of the pandemic still sweeping the globe. While we all miss sports, and hockey in particular, we recognize that the continued health and safety of our players, staff and fans will always take precedence.
Gortsema said, “Our front office team is already hard at work contacting impacted ticket buyers and corporate sponsors with solutions and ideas as we eagerly prepare for what we anticipate will be a momentous 25th anniversary season of Griffins hockey."
The AHL’s standings showed the Griffins were in position to extend their franchise record with an eighth consecutive berth in the Calder Cup Playoffs. They finished the 2019-20 COVID-19 shortened season in third place in the Central Division with a 29-27-3-4 record (0.516).
Locally, the Griffins have united with the West Michigan Whitecaps, Grand Rapids Drive, and West Michigan Sports Commission to help our community during this pandemic. Join the effort by visiting OneTeamForWestMichigan.com.