Right as talks of sports coming back begins, this is announced. The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Player’s Association announced today they have decided that to postpone international games for the remainder of 2020.
NHLPA and @NHL announce postponement of 2020 international events: https://t.co/fL6nS33muT pic.twitter.com/4IGxw80FO1
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) May 8, 2020
International Games Postponed
With everything going on, it is no surprise this announcement has come at this time. This is the right move by the NHL and NHLPA. Creating more international travel will only prolong the issue. The thought of any kind of travel outside of the country has to be out of the questions. With no end in sight, and still no cure. This is a smart and obvious move by the NHL and NHLPA.
The NHL and NHLPA added this comment in their announcement made,
“The NHLPA and the NHL remain committed to maintaining and growing our international presence. We hope that our fans overseas understand the need to postpone the 2020 games, but we look forward to being back with them in 2021.”
What to look forward to
As said before, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the NHL and NHLPA have decided to postpone international hockey games. As things are slowly starting to re-open, there is no need to rush anything at this time. It is better to be safe than sorry to enable a return back to normal as soon as possible.
With the NBA re-opening team facilities, the NHL draft move up to June, and the NHL looking to return in June, as well. Fans from all over-excited for the return of sports. It even seems there are strong rumours that if the NHL returns, they would jump straight into a playoff-style tournament. A 24-team tournament for playoffs would be extremely fun to watch. While I’m sure some traditionalists will strongly-disagree, these unique times call for unique solutions. There looks to be plenty of good things on the horizon.
Main Photo; PITTSBURGH – OCTOBER 07: New logos are etched into the ice prior to the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers at the Consol Energy Center on October 7, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
