Covid-19 has been a thorn in the side of everyone throughout the World, and is hitting just about everyone hard. Whether it be financially, mentally, or unfortunately some have contracted this brutal virus. Covid-19 continues to make its presence known.
One team that is affiliated with the Philadelphia Flyers in the Reading Royals will keep their doors shut in 2020-21 due to Covid-19, and this leaves some players careers in limbo especially ones that are not playing overseas. Unfortunately, all the great players and staff members (To include Royals fantastic mascot in Slapshot) that make up this great Royals organization will now have to scramble for new positions. Fortunately, some prospects headed overseas with the likes of Felix Sandström, who currently plays for Västerviks IK on a loan. Sandström is playing decent hockey as his record stands at 1-4, a 2.74 GAA, and a .921 Save Percentage this season. He may be part of a three goalie system for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms if the AHL indeed resumes play. Other prospects like Pascal Laberge and Matthew Strome will play with the Phantoms, as Chuck Fletcher has not signed depth Forwards maybe for this very reason.
The entire North Division has agreed to remain dormant: Adirondack Thunder, Brampton Beast, Maine Mariners, Newfoundland Growlers, Reading Royals, and the Worcester Railers. Paul Holmgren is the Governor of the Maine Mariners, and Danny Briere is the Vice President of Operations for the Mariners, as well.
Hockey is a spectator sport. If there are no-to minimal fans in the stands. The ECHL is just not lucrative enough to sustain that particular loss of revenue, and it would be very hard to turn a profit. Not to mention all the expenses and overhead costs that are associated with testing. In general, there are lots of overhead costs associated with running a season, and fans of course offset the majority of these costs with parking, merchandise sales, food and beverage sales.
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This is a sad day for the Royals and their proud fans. To each and every one of you, we at Flyersnittygritty.com stand with you. Hopefully Covid-19 becomes a thing of the past in the near future.
