AHL cancels rest of season, playoffs due to coronavirus

The American Hockey League on Monday announced, as expected, that the remainder of the 201920 regular season and playoffs would be canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.

The league’s board of governors voted on the decision Friday. This season will mark the first time since 1936 that the Calder Cup, the AHL’s championship trophy, will not be awarded.

“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,” said AHL president and Chief Executive Officer David Andrews in a news release. “The League’s operational focus has turned toward actively preparing for the 2020-21 season. We are very grateful to the National Hockey League and its teams for their support and leadership in navigating through the challenges faced over the past two months.

“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.”

The AHL also announced that standings and statistics as of March 12 — the day the league halted its schedule — would be considered final and official and would serve as the basis for determining league awards for the 2019-20 season.

The San Jose Barracuda, the AHL affiliate of the Sharks, finish the season with a 21-27-5-2 record and in seventh and last place in the Pacific Division. Their last game was March 10, a 7-4 win over the Stockton Heat.

This season, 16 players from the Barracuda were called up by the Sharks and played at least one NHL game.

In December, Roy Sommer — the AHL’s all-time leader in coaching victories — was moved from the Barracuda to become an associate coach with the Sharks, and former assistants Jimmy Bonneau and Michael Chiasson became co-head coaches of the Barracuda. Maxim Letunov led the Barracuda with 40 points in 50 games. Jayden Halbgewachs led the team in scoring with 19 goals in 55 games.

According to the team, Barracuda season ticket holders can apply funds from the final four canceled home games toward their 2020-21 season ticket payments, or they can receive refunds to their original form of payment. For more information, season ticket holders are encouraged to contact their Client Development Account Executive for full details and assistance.