There’s good news and bad news if you’re a Toledo Walleye fan. The ECHL team did announce that they will take part in the 2020-2021 ECHL season today, but they also announced that their season won’t be starting until February.
Per WTOL’s Jordan Strack…
The ECHL Board of Governors, along with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, have signed off on the opportunity for the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets to participate in the 2020-21 ECHL season beginning in February 2021.
The ECHL also announced Monday that the Cincinnati Cyclones, Idaho Steelheads and Kalamazoo Wings are suspending play for the 2020-21 ECHL season under the league’s policy for COVID-19. All teams are set to return in the 2021-22 ECHL season.
“We are grateful to be given the opportunity to play and understand this season will be like no other,” said Walleye Head Coach Dan Watson. “During this time I will continue to work with the ECHL to ensure our return to the Huntington Center is done with the utmost adherence to the health and safety protocols necessary for our team’s well-being.”
And the Toledo Blade’s Mark Monroe:
No start date or schedule format has been announced for the Walleye or Komets.
In an email to season ticket holders, the organization offered its customers an opportunity to put their memberships on hold.
“Your game plan will be paused,” the email stated. “We will hold everything for you — seat location, ticket price, and status. It will all roll over to the 2021-22 season and your credit kept on account for 2021 renewal.”
Walleye officials said that although the date of the start of the season has been moved again, it is prepared to start the season with coronavirus procedures and protocols in place, including social distancing and reduced seating.
“When arena capacities are finalized and a game schedule is confirmed, you will receive information from your consultant on how ticket distribution will work,” the letter stated. “The pandemic has lasted longer than any of us could have imagined and these upcoming months are critical.”
