Sheffield Steelers’ Elite League season cut short over coronavirus

The Steelers - who last week won the Challenge Cup for the first time in 17 years with a 4-3 win over Cardiff Devils - had been scheduled to play Manchester Storm at FlyDSA Arena on Saturday night before playing against the same opponents at Altrincham just under 24 hours later.

But bosses of all 10 EIHL clubs staged an emergency conference on Thursday evening in light of the Government’s latest advice on the coronavirus outbreak, which was issued on Thursday by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

There was hope that the regular season - with only three weeks remaining - would be able to be completed but impending restrictions on crowd sizes in Scotland and the fact two teams had reported having players in self-isolation led to the decision to end the season immediately.

As it stands, Cardiff are top of the table, their 7-4 victory over the Steelers taking them above their South Yorkshire rivals by one point. But no announcement has been made yet as to whether that means Andrew Lord’s side will be crowned champions.

Steelers’ owner Tony Smith, who also serves as the league chairman, said: “It’s been a tough week on many levels. We have to take so many things into account, most importantly the health of our players, fans and staff.

“We looked at every option possible but as stated in the EIHL media release we had no option but to take this very disappointing decision this morning.

“We are sure many fans have so many questions relating to purchased tickets, season tickets and playoffs. Can we please ask that you all refrain from contacting either the Arena or our offices until early next week when further statements will have been issued.

“Our priority right now is to ensure that our players can return home as soon as possible with their families.”

The cancellation of the EIHL season follows similar announcements earlier this week from leagues across Europe including Germany, Switzerland and Austria, while the NHL also suspended its regular season with immediate effect on Thursday.

An EIHL statement said: “The Elite League has no choice but to shut down the rest of the season. The league feels it has taken its ‘can-do, will-do’ efforts to the limit and whilst the outcome is sure to disappoint fans across the country there was no alternative in these unprecedented times.

“We are confident everyone will understand the rationale behind the league’s decision. Further announcements will follow next week.”