NHL And MLB Suspend Seasons Due To Coronavirus Threats

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Major League Soccer and the National Basketball Association made similar announcements earlier.

"In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight's games," the NHL said in a statement.

The Tampa Bay Lightning gave the following statement:

"As a member club, the Tampa Bay Lightning will not be playing games until the NHL, along with government and health officials, decide the timing is right to return to the ice. This is obviously a tough and disappointing decision for everyone, but one that is appropriate to prioritize the safety of our fans, partners, players and staff. The team will continue to work in consultation with the NHL, as well as with city and county representatives, to monitor the situation moving forward.
The Lightning will be making additional announcements, including regarding ticket information, as details become available."

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The Bolts were scheduled to play the Philadelphia Flyers Thursday night and the Detroit Red Wings Saturday night.

Fans couldn't hide their disappointment.

"This would have been my first NHL game," said Tanis M. Hammond of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. "I’ve been a Tampa fan since they won the Stanley Cup in 2004. I’ve been wanting to see them play in person but I never had the chance."

Then she heard they were coming to Calgary March 21 to play the Calgary Flames.

Hammond got her tickets and was looking forward the three-hour drive to see her first professional hockey game when the NHL made its announcement.

"It’s like a dream dangling in front of you then getting it ripped away," she said. "I am beyond words of how I am feeling. I do understand health and safety."

" Well, if there's one bright light in this whole thing, it's that Stamkos can regain his health. His absence is noticeable," said Lightning fan Gary Smith of Hernando County. "We've lost two games by one goal. That's the one that Stamkos usually makes."

Steven Stamkos had to have surgery to repair a core muscle injury. He's expected to be out six to eight weeks.

Major League Baseball fans who look forward to the more intimate spring training games were equally disappointed with the news.

Following a call with the 30 clubs, and after consultation with the Major League Baseball Players Association, Commisioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. announced that the MLB would suspend spring training games and delay the start of the 2020 regular season by at least two weeks due to the national emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, all spring training games have been canceled and the 2020 World Baseball Classic Qualifier games in Tucson, Arizona, have been postponed indefinitely.

Minor League Baseball games are canceled as well.

"Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, employees and fans," said Manfred. "MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts. We send our best wishes to all individuals and communities that have been impacted by coronavirus."

Windsor Ontario, resident Jeff Mass had been planning to fly to Tampa Friday with his two young sons to attend a Toronto Blue Jays spring training game at the newly renovated TD Ballpark in Dunedin. Mass couldn't think of a better way to celebrate his 40th birthday than a day with his sons watching baseball.

"Tickets were purchased, and we were leaving tomorrow," said Mass. "Cancelled our entire trip this afternoon. It’s the correct decision, however, to cancel games after the recent developments. Be safe everyone."

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