National Lacrosse League targeting April start for next season
The Canadian Press | Posted: October 28, 2020 5:10 PM | Last Updated: October 28, 2020
2019-20 campaign was suspended in March, eventually cancelled
The National Lacrosse League hopes to start its next season in April.
The NLL said Wednesday it is targeting the weekend of April 9-11, 2021 to begin play during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The season has traditionally started in December or January.
Training camps prior to the league's 35th season would start in March, with some virtual and some in-person. The league has not announced how many games will be played.
The NLL said it is working on several scenarios to deal with regional and federal restrictions.
The league has five Canadian teams — the Halifax Thunderbirds, Toronto Rock, Saskatchewan Rush, Calgary Roughnecks and Vancouver Warriors — and eight American teams.
The 2019-20 NLL season was suspended in March and eventually cancelled.
"We are working with all teams to provide the safest environment and an acceptable level of fans in the stands," NLL commissioner Nick Sakiewicz said in a statement. "We understand that current circumstances will dictate whether this plan is achievable, and we will be prepared to remain flexible and pivot as needed."