The message came on Tuesday afternoon, after the SHL and the 14 SHL clubs had an owner meeting. That is where the decision was made to determine the earlier decision that the season should start on September 19.
- We are, like so many other players and industries, facing a great deal of uncertainty with the corona pandemic and much can be changed until September, but based on prevailing conditions, we have jointly decided to determine earlier decisions of the seasonal start to September 19, says Michael Marchal in a press release.
"Continues to follow the guidelines"However, whether there will be games with or without an audience, there is still uncertainty around.
- We continue to follow the guidelines of the Public Health Authority and cooperate closely on this issue. These are major issues that we are now facing and all matches that are postponed, canceled or played without an audience will have major consequences, says Marchal, and continue:
- Based on that, we have to make a series of difficult decisions and our greatest wish and ambition is to play in front of the fantastic audience that permeates the whole SHL. Therefore, we will do everything we can to quiet the hockey suits that are out there, if crowds in the arena are not possible. Much can, as I said, change during the summer and we will re-evaluate the status again in August and September.