Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

KHL team drops title pursuit over virus concerns

Written by 
Published in Hockey
Saturday, 14 March 2020 17:32

Though the Kontinental Hockey League, a home to many former NHL players and coaches in Europe and Asia, is continuing on with its postseason amid the coronavirus outbreak, one of its playoff teams has withdrawn on its own.

Prior its second-round series against Russia's SKA St. Petersburg, Jokerit Helsinki, a team from Finland, elected to not play on Saturday.

Jokerit chairman Jari Kurri, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and a five-time Stanley Cup champion, released a statement illustrating the decision.

"These are exceptional times and they call for exceptional measures," Kurri said. "The well-being and health of the people and our society is paramount and Jokerit wants to shoulder its responsibility in the matter. We have held thorough discussions with our team doctors and players and together, [we] came to this conclusion. It is a very difficult but necessary decision."

The KHL issued a statement Saturday about the coronavirus pandemic, but it mentioned nothing about postponing or canceling the postseason. It also did not update the status of SKA St. Petersburg, and answer if they'd receive a bye into the next round, given its lack of opponent.

"[The] KHL, as a major international sports league is acutely aware of its responsibility to fans, teams and staff, and is closely monitoring the situation as it develops and will strictly comply with instructions from state authorities in all participating countries of the championship, when it comes to protecting public health," the statement said. "The pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation, and in this regard, [the] KHL is in consultation with clubs and all relevant authorities to diligently manage the impact of this matter."

Jokerit, which defeated Russia's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the first round, has a roster loaded with former NHL players, including Antti Niemi, Sami Lepisto, Petri Kontiola, Peter Regin and Saku Maenalanen.

The KHL was founded in 2008, and the league plays for what is known as the Gagarin Cup.

Read 4089 times

Soccer

Bellingham on goal drought: 'I've been too nice'

Bellingham on goal drought: 'I've been too nice'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJude Bellingham blamed a change in his Real Madrid role for his lac...

Clock ticking for Messi as Miami suffer biggest shock in MLS postseason history

Clock ticking for Messi as Miami suffer biggest shock in MLS postseason history

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDid you ever have a nightmare that seemed so real it took every fib...

Jordi Alba: MLS postseason format 'unfair'

Jordi Alba: MLS postseason format 'unfair'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJordi Alba criticized the Major League Soccer postseason format, la...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Bronny makes G League debut; 'excited' to play

Bronny makes G League debut; 'excited' to play

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsEL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Ever since Bronny James was selected No. 55 b...

Wemby in rare air with 6 3's, 7 blocks; Spurs fall

Wemby in rare air with 6 3's, 7 blocks; Spurs fall

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN ANTONIO -- Spurs star Victor Wembanyama couldn't believe it."Re...

Baseball

Japanese star RHP Sasaki to be posted to MLB

Japanese star RHP Sasaki to be posted to MLB

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Chiba Lotte Marines announced Saturday they will begin the proc...

MLB has 'grave concerns' for Diamond reorg plan

MLB has 'grave concerns' for Diamond reorg plan

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMajor League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves formally objected to D...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated