The American Hockey League moved its projected start of next season back to Feb. 5 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, president and CEO Scott Howson announced Wednesday.
The AHL’s board of governors finalized that projected start date during a brief conference call. The AHL is the top minor-league affiliate for the NHL, which is targeting a Jan. 1 start for the season.
“This gives us the best chance to have a significant season,” Howson said in a phone interview. “We’re going to be flexible and we’re going to do everything we can to play.”
A typical AHL season usually starts after the NHL gets underway.