CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — There will be no champion this season in the National Basketball League (NBL) of Canada.
The board of governors voted unanimously Tuesday to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 regular season and playoffs due to the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic.
“NBL Canada's decision to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 season as well as the playoffs was truly a difficult one to make,” said deputy commissioner Audley Stephenson.
“Our owners, management, support staff, players and coaching staff invested countless hours in preparation for the season and it’s incredibly sad that we were unable to complete the year the way we would have liked to.”
The Charlottetown-based Island Storm is one of the squads in the eight-team league. It was 6-17 and in last place in the four-team Atlantic Division.
Disappointed that the @NBLCanada season has ended this way, but absolutely the correct decision based on the circumstances. Thanks very much to all of our @islandproball fans & sponsors, we very much appreciate your support! Stay safe everyone! @SportsGuardian @PaulMSports
— Coach Tim Kendrick (@Coach_Kendrick) April 1, 2020
The league suspended operations on March 12 and continue to monitor and assess the situation.
“Our league remains dedicated to the health and safety of our players, officials, fans, staff and general public and we feel that our decision to cancel the season is a prudent one in order to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” Stephenson said.
