Sheffield Steelers season ends with Challenge Cup triumph as Elite League clubs cancel all matches due to coronavirus
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This morning bosses at the 10 Elite League clubs opted to cancel all matches with immediate effect.It has not yet been decided what will happen about awarding the League trophy - Cardiff Devils are a point ahead of Steelers at the top and will probably represent the UK in the Champions Hockey League next year.Steelers' immediate task is to send home all their imports as soon as possible.
An EIHL statement read: "League chiefs had hoped to complete the regular season and in the wake of last evening’s government guidelines, based on the up-to-the-minute scientific advice to allow sporting fixtures to continue, that seemed possible."They staged an emergency conference call after the Government’s latest announcement on the coronavirus outbreak. Impending restrictions on crowd sizes in Scotland were an issue that was being further considered overnight."However, since then two teams have now reported they have players in self-isolation purely as a precaution but 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 statement added: "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."