Ice hockey season frozen due to coronavirus

The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) clubs have cancelled all matches with immediate effect.

Bosses had hoped to complete the regular season but staged an emergency conference call after the Government’s latest announcement on the coronavirus outbreak.

Impending restrictions on crowd sizes of over 500 in Scotland were an issue.

Since then, two unnamed teams have reported they have players in self-isolation purely as a precaution.

The statement added: “The health and safety of our fans, players and staff has to be paramount.

“In the wake of that news, 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.”