BY: Jordan Kuhn, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
GREENVILLE, S.C. — In conjunction with the ECHL league office, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits have announced that the remainder of the 2019–20 ECHL season has been canceled. This decision was approved by the ECHL Board of Governors.
The following is a statement from ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin:
“The decision by the ECHL to cancel the remainder of the 2019–20 season does not come lightly, as this is an emotional time for our players, coaches, member teams, fans, and staff. At this point in the season, there has been immense dedication and countless hours committed to moving towards what is traditionally the most exciting part of the hockey year.
With that said, however, as each passing day raises additional concerns for the safety of those in the ECHL community and as we take precautionary measures in conjunction with our local authorities across the continent to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it has become apparent that this is the prudent decision. Our game and our product are based on our fans and their ability to cheer on their favorite ECHL team and players at one of our many facilities around the continent. Without that social environment and game atmosphere, the ECHL simply isn’t the same.
On behalf of the ECHL and our Board of Governors, we appreciate the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) for their assistance during this unprecedented time and working as partners in hockey to reach this decision for the best interest of the ECHL and its players. This decision allows our players the opportunity to return to their homes and removes the uncertainty that currently exists.
While we are hopeful that this period ceases and an opportunity to return to normalcy for the hockey calendar presents itself, in the interim, we ask that all fans, players, coaches, officials, and staff to continue to abide by the measures put in place by their local authorities and follow precautionary protocols for their safety, as we will begin preparations for the 2020–21 ECHL hockey season.”
The organization will begin issuing refunds to pre-purchased tickets for remaining Swamp Rabbits home games starting on Monday. Season ticket holders will receive the value of existing tickets as a discount into the overall season ticket package cost for the 2020–21 season.
Should existing season ticket holders request a refund on existing ticket value, please reach out to your ticket representative on Monday.
We ask for your continued patience in this process during an unprecedented time.
We thank Swamp Rabbits Nation for supporting our team throughout the entire 2019–20 season and are already looking forward to the 2020–21 season and the pursuit of the ultimate prize, the Kelly Cup.
