Health & Fitness
San Jose Sharks Back NHL’s Move to Suspend Season
The team is urging fans to hold onto tickets they have to any of the Sharks five remaining home games in case the season resumes
SAN JOSE, CA — The San Jose Sharks announced the organization's support for the National Hockey League's decision to suspend its season Thursday to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The Sharks had 12 games left on their 2019-2020 season schedule, including five home games at the SAP Center.
The organization said in a statement that fans should keep their tickets, should the NHL choose to resume the season later in the year.
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"As new developments arise, we will communicate with our fans and partners," the team said. "We appreciate your patience and understanding."
The NHL indicated in its suspension announcement that the league intends to finish the season later this year and complete the Stanley Cup playoffs. The league noted that many hockey teams share arenas with National Basketball Association teams, leading to the risk that some NHL players may have already contracted the virus.
Find out what's happening in Los Gatosfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The NBA suspended its season Wednesday night after one Utah Jazz player tested positive while a second tested positive Thursday morning.
"We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice and we will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to take all reasonable precautions -- including by self-quarantine, where appropriate," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.
Santa Clara County public health officials have, as of Wednesday night, confirmed 48 positive coronavirus cases in the county, including the Bay Area's only death so far due to the virus.
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