Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
March 24, 2020 - American Hockey League (AHL)
This past week more leagues either delayed or cancelled their seasons due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Big3 announced plans to have a reality show-style three-on-three tournament in April or May and the Premier Lacrosse League held its entry draft. Highlights from this week are from the XFL, Indoor Football League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, National Lacrosse League and National Women's Soccer League.
FOOTBALL
XFL
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the most recent local and state regulations, have left the XFL no choice but to officially cancel the remainder of the 2020 season. This decision has been made with the health and safety of the entire XFL family as our top priority.
2020 XFL season recap
Indoor Football League
The IFL's Fred Shaffer and Commissioner Tryon discuss the future of the Indoor Football League amidst the outbreak of COVID-19.
They hit on points such as what teams are doing to support their local markets, the development of talent across the league and the league's intention to still play the 2020 season. Watch it all here.
BASKETBALL
NBA G League
The DeVos Family, owners of the Orlando Magic, has funded a $2 million compensation fund for Orlando Magic, Amway Center, Lakeland Magic and Orlando Solar Bears hourly workers for games and time missed during the COVID-19 suspension of seasons. Magic players have also approached the organization and will provide additional financial assistance.
BIG3
As first reported by Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, we are set to launch a quarantined, reality show-style three-on-three tournament in April or May to help curb the nation's appetite for basketball in the aftermath of the coronavirus sports hiatus.
Women's National Basketball Association
The 1999 Indiana Miss Basketball recipient from Connersville, Indiana, April (McDivitt) Schilling, has been named an assistant coach with the Indiana Fever. The WNBA veteran played for the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx and Washington Mystics during her career.
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
Federal Prospects Hockey League
The Federal Prospects Hockey League and its Board of Governors have voted that the 2019-20 season will be cancelled effective immediately.
North American Hockey League
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced that the current 2019-20 season, including the 2020 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs and Championship, have all been canceled due to the International medical emergency caused by COVID-19 and pandemic.
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced that all the remaining games of the 2019-20 schedule have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The regular season was scheduled to end on March 21, 2020.
Moncton Wildcats captain and Calgary Flames prospect Jakob Pelletier found the back of the net 32 times this season. Here are some of his nicest goals.
Ontario Hockey League
United States Hockey League
The USHL announced its decision to cancel the rest of the 2019-20 season after initial postponement on March 12. The decision was unanimously made by the USHL Board of Directors with the best interest of USHL athletes, staff, officials and fans in mind.
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
While we are postponed, we are launching a new interview series. Check out In Transition. In our first interview with the Philadelphia Wings players, learn how Trevor Baptiste, Blaze Riorden, and Matt Rambo are taking it to the streets (and stairs) to stay fit and sending snaps and chats to stay connected.
Premier Lacrosse League
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) has announced the results of its 2020 Entry Draft.
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
United Soccer League Championship
National Women's Soccer League
OL Reign announced that it has signed Costa Rican international midfielder Shirley Cruz for the 2020 NWSL season. Cruz, 34, has extensive playing experience under first-year head coach Farid Benstiti.
NWSL Players Messages To Fans
OTHER SPORTS
Major League Rugby
Major League Rugby (MLR) announced that all remaining 2020 matches are cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 global crisis and the health and safety guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
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American Hockey League Stories from March 24, 2020
- Condors Sign Penn State Standout Liam Folkes - Bakersfield Condors
- Admirals Sign Schneider to AHL Deal - Milwaukee Admirals
- Chicago Wolves Launch EA NHL 20 Tournament for the Fans - Chicago Wolves
- Minnesota Wild Signs Forward Mitchell Chaffee to Two-Year, Entry-Level Contract - Iowa Wild
- Syracuse Crunch Sign Goaltender Clint Windsor to AHL Contract - Syracuse Crunch
- 'Canes Agree to Terms with David and Jason Cotton - Charlotte Checkers
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
