Week 23 of the 2020 #COVID19 pandemc-induced #StayAtHome orders that have shut down the world.
Wait, I am being told it is week 5 here in my place.
Whatever the number, it is getting old, but not so old that I would care to venture outside without a mask and enough personal protection equipment to hold off a zombie apocalypse.
European hockey leagues as well as United Kingdom leagues have shut down for the season. Before the EIHL shuttered the season in the UK, the Sheffield Steelers had secured a bit of silverware. The Challenge Cup was reclaimed after many seasons of it being on a seemingly endless walk about. Steelers’ fans will need to console themselves with that silverware and pine for what might have been in a resurgent campaign.
In North America, the minor leagues followed suit and ended their seasons. For some, it was premature, but the value of hindsight suggests they made the correct call.
Closed arenas, prohibition against mass gatherings and fear of intrasquad transmission was enough to make the decision easier. Compound those issues with team revenues being based on selling one more t-shirt or one more replica jersey. 
The ECHL, Southern Pro, American, and lower minors were left with few options as costs exceeded revenue by any margin.
A few bright spots have shone through with the Fayetteville Marksmen remaining open for business at the front office. The Professional Hockey Players Association has attempted to work with partners to raise funds for out of work players at the minor league levels.
The National Hockey League remains on pause since mid March. The NHL can hold off the closing scenario for some time with sufficient cash reserves, and wait.
And wait.
Indeed, some NHL players have committed portions of their own salaries to support arena workers. Sergei Bobrovsky was among the first, in Sunrise, to help Florida Panthers’ arena staff.
Even the NHL has a timeline they need to follow, though they are keeping that close to the chest protector. The NHL Entry Draft is coming up, NHL free agency, player contracts and bonuses, off season, and commitments to their affiliates in the minors.
There entire world has not come to a complete stop, as much as we might want that to happen to more effectively stop the spread of #COVID19. Indeed, virtual sports league have seemingly flourished/ 
Online gaming is as active now as ever and sportsbooks are as accessible now as before the pandemic. Finding that right outlet does not have to be confusing or daunting or impeded by #COVID19.
If, and when, the NHL returns to the ice, there will be plenty of opportunity to re-engage with all aspects of the sport; and if the NHL returns then can assume the NBA, MLB and NFL will not be far behind or ahead of the curve.
The admonition will always be the same.
Be safe, wash your hands and keep your distances in mind.
We will soon be back amongst each other.
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