The NHL has suspended their season at this time due to the global outbreak of the coronavirus

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated the decision was made after consulting with medical experts and a conference call with the leagues' board of governors on Thursday morning.

The pause to the season is set to begin immediately the Calgary Flames were scheduled to play the New York Islanders at home on Thursday evening, and had 12 games remaining during this regular season.

“The health, safety, and well-being of our fans, staff, and players remain the most important priority of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation,” the Flames said in a statement. “CSEC is in full support of the National Hockey League’s decision to pause the 2019-20 season due to COVID-19.

As with the NHL, the Flames are hoping to resume the season when they are able.

“The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities while preparing for any possible developments without taking premature or unnecessary measures,” Bettman said.

“However, following last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus — and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some members of the NHL community would test positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time.”

Bettman continued saying that the league will monitor appropriate medical advice as well they have encouraged players and staff to take any necessary precautions.  According to Bettman, the goal will be to resume play as soon as they can so that the league can complete the season.

After two confirmed cases in the NBA in 24hrs and the suspension of the season, other leagues are also choosing to suspend seasons at this time Major League Soccer announced it is suspending its season for 30 days due to what the World Health Organization has classified as a pandemic. The decision will affect Canadian teams Toronto FC, the Montreal Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The positive test result of a Utah Jazz player has also impacted the Toronto Raptors as players and staff played Utah on Monday they have gone into self-isolation. They have also undergone testing for the virus, and are awaiting the results.

Along with the NHL, the NBA, the MLS and The National Lacrosse League ( NLL ) have also announced season suspensions at this time, and the MLB announced midday Thursday that spring training will be suspended indefinitely.

With the season suspension announcement from the NLL, The Calgary, Roughnecks will not be playing their scheduled game this Friday at the Scotiabank Saddledome.