FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA21) - The Fort Wayne Komets could begin their delayed season in February, the website of the team's arch rival posted on Monday.
The Komets have yet to make their own announcement, but the official Toledo Walleye web page reports that both teams have been given "the opportunity" to lace up for the 2020-21 season some time in February -- not on Jan. 15, when other ECHL teams will launch a "second start" to the season.
ABC21 reached out to the team for comment and confirmation but a spokesperson declined.
It is a situation growing more complex as time passes.
Some ECHL teams are beginning play this month. Others, on the delayed January "second start." Still other franchises won't play at all.
The Komets and Walleye received an extension to make their decisions, and the Walleye posted the following on Monday:
The ECHL Board of Governors, in conjunction with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, have approved the opportunity for the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets to participate in the 2020-21 ECHL season beginning in February 2021.
Since March, the Walleye have worked tirelessly with the Lucas County Health Department and the State of Ohio to get hockey back to the Huntington Center. As we continue to do so, we’re appreciative of the ECHL Board of Governors and the PHPA to allow for additional time to plan and execute a 2020-21 season for the Walleye and our fans in a safe and responsible manner. - Neil Neukam, Walleye Executive Vice President & General Manager
We are grateful to be given the opportunity to play and understand this season will be like no other. During this time I will continue to work with the ECHL to ensure our return to the Huntington Center is done with the utmost adherence to the heath and safety protocols necessary for our team's well-being. - Dan Watson, Walleye Head Coach
Additionally, the ECHL announced on Monday that the Cincinnati Cyclones, Idaho Steelheads and Kalamazoo Wings will be suspending play for the 2020-21 ECHL season under the league's policy for COVID-19. All teams are set to return in the 2021-22 ECHL season.
This decision for our clubs was immensely difficult amidst the everchanging landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic and the inability to return to play throughout our various jurisdictions. We look forward to returning fans and ECHL hockey in these great markets as they shift their focus to the 2021-22 season. - Ryan Crelin, ECHL Commissioner
Under the terms of the ECHL/PHPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, all players who have signed ECHL contracts with Cincinnati, Idaho and Kalamazoo are free agents for the 2020-21 season immediately.
The Komets are expected to play before a limited number of fans at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Even as they weighed whether there would be a season, the Komets have been offering ticket packages to fans. Details on those are available online.
EDITORS NOTE: This report has been updated to specify that the Komets have been granted the opportunity to start their season in February and that the franchise has not commented on the development.
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December 08, 2020 at 03:03AM
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Rival franchise reports Komets could play in 2021 -- but later than expected - wpta21.com
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