Adirondack Thunder Cancels Season

After this week's news of both RPI hockey and Union hockey deciding to cancel their winter seasons , Capital Region sports fans are now wondering about what the future holds for the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL. The news for hockey fans arrived Wednesday afternoon when the Thunder, along with the other teams in the ECHL North Division announced they would not be playing this season. The North Division consists of teams from Brampton (Ontario), Maine, Newfoundland, Reading and Worcester. Adirondack is the only team from New York State in the division. The Thunder posted a statement on the team's website yesterday explaining the decision:

We knew this season would be a challenge regardless of any state restrictions on fans in the arena.  We had worked on numerous contingency plans to socially distance fans and to ensure a clean, safe environment, and to fully abide by all state-imposed guidelines. We were ready to play at a 50% capacity, knowing it would be difficult to operate at that capacity.

We know the disappointment our fans, coaches, players, staff, and community share with this announcement.  Our focus going forward will be to start the planning for the 2021-22 season

A press conference is scheduled for noon today in regards to this franchise's decision.