Notwithstanding the rescheduling of postponed games, there is just under a month remaining in the truncated 2020-21 American Hockey League season.

The fact that the league has gotten this far with fairly minimal problems is a credit to everyone involved.

There is still plenty of chatter of piecing together some type of play-offs, possibly in a divisional format, which I believe would be an ill-advised course of action.

Pushing your luck through a pandemic is not something I would personally advocate.

The AHL should cut their losses, count their blessings and plan for a full return to action in October.

The Utica Comets has been the only team to be severely impacted playing through this pandemic, missing almost a month’s worth of action from March into early April.

Certainly, excellent planning and buying into all the safety protocols have all made a huge difference but the AHL has been incredibly lucky to come through relatively unscathed.

That’s now being born out by the Toronto Marlies having to postpone games due to COVID protocols as the pandemic hits the Canadian division for the first time.

Postponements have led to the schedule becoming even more intense and this, in turn, increases the threat of COVID and players becoming injured. We have already witnessed many games having to be called off due to roster restrictions and this is a situation that could rear its ugly head more frequently down the stretch.

For reference, the Utica Comets have played six games in the past eleven days and finish the month of April with a game every other day (five in ten). An extreme example but a tale of caution.

To my mind, the shortened campaign has served its purpose.

Many rookies and prospects who ordinarily would be ineligible for the AHL have had their first taste of the professional game and in many cases thrived.
The older professionals have had the opportunity to earn a living and put themselves in the shop window for the next season.

In my opinion, it would be unfair and damaging to put players, coaches and staff through a play-off campaign.

Every aspect of this season has been more difficult, taxing and meticulous than ever before. Quarantining, no socialising outside of the rink, staring at four walls while on the road and being away from family and loved ones for long periods.
In some cases, players, coaches and staff haven’t seen their families if they have crossed the border to compete in the AHL.

The impact on physical and mental health cannot be understated and I am certain beyond belief that many people in the American League have struggled with these issues the past few weeks and months.

I understand the desire for some teams to earn money having been allowed to host fans in their respective buildings. However, is there going to be much interest for a play-off that won’t crown a Calder Cup Champion?

Just how engaged will unpaid players be to continue to put their livelihoods and health on the line against teams they have already battled against every 2-3 days since the start of February? The risk surely outweighs any pros to be gained.

The American Hockey League has performed wonders to put on any kind of season for the benefit of the league, its members, NHL affiliates, staff and players but enough.

Wrap up this regular season and count your blessings that this shortened campaign went as well as anyone could have expected.

Let’s start building for October and a more positive future.

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