The ECHL Board of Governors and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association jointly approved a revised 2020-21 schedule for the upcoming season.
The announcement was made earlier today, signaling the start of the season will be moved from October 16 to December 4.
It comes on the heels of the American Hockey League (AHL) making a similar announcement last Thursday. The top-level minor-league hockey circuit too will begin play on December 4.
Wheeling Nailers new head coach Mark French admitted he felt an announcement was forthcoming already when he heard the news.
“If I’m being honest, I’m not shocked by it. Other leagues have moved in that direction, so I was anticipating some sort of pushback,” French said.
“My mind quickly moved to how does this affect recruiting players, retention and preparation for the season.”
Some of those particulars are still up in the air. That leaves French and assistant coach Derek Army preparing for multiple scenarios as it relates to the start of the preseason.
“That’s kind of TBA at this point,” French said. “We have to see when we’re allowed to start training camp, how that will affect the length of camp, the roster size we bring in and I’m sure the exhibition schedule will be affected to some degree.
“We’ll have to wait and see.”
It may turn out to be a blessing on some fronts, and not just for the Nailers.
French noted that no current Wheeling player is coming off major surgery. For other players around the league, the extra time will be key.
“If they had major surgery at the end of last season, they are looking pretty smart right now with that extra recovery time,” French said.
Speaking of Players
Where this may work in the Nailers’ favor is it gives French and his staff likely extra time for player evaluations and recruiting.
Having coached in Europe the last few seasons, this provides French with extra time to get second and third looks at potential invitees that he may not have had.
It also gives players answer they were likely searching for.
“To some degree, I think it’s good. There was a lot of uncertainty and questions from players about what direction things were headed,” French said.
“Some guys were waiting to see what was going on.”
What they likely aren’t doing is waiting to get into game shop.
The delayed start to the season likely means a shortened training camp and exhibition season—if one is included prior to regular season.
Practice will likely be centered on teaching and team building. There’s no time to find their legs, so to speak.
French admits that, at least as far as hockey is concerned, that doesn’t seem to be a problem.
“Hockey has changed a lot, so I don’t see that being a problem,” he said. “Maybe 10 years ago, guys would show up needing to get into shape, but that’s not the reality now.
“Most of these guys know more about strength and conditioning than I do, and they come in ready to go.”
And if they aren’t? Well, that already condensed preseason will get a lot shorter real fast.
“There will be a lot of competition for spots and you don’t want to lose that competition by not coming in in game shape,” French said.
Home Ice Availability
The delayed start to the 72-game schedule doesn’t just affect the coaches, players, and front office.
WesBanco Arena gives the Nailers priority scheduling during the season but once it’s over, other events are already on the books.
Fortunately, the Penguins AA-affiliate only had a few homes games scheduled between the start of the season and December.
That makes Executive Director Denny Magruder’s life a little easier.
“There aren’t that many games on our preliminary schedule between October and Thanksgiving, maybe six or seven,” Magruder said. “We have an adequate amount of dates to get those scheduled later in the season.”
Magruder noted that the Arena has other events under contract for later dates and those won’t be moved. But adjustments will be made and the Nailers will have no issue getting in those pushed back matchups.
“We have an event like Toughman Boxing, we can’t just say ‘hey, we’re not doing boxing but playing hockey,’’’ Magruder said. “We will be faithful to the schedule and just make some adjustments.
“There are open dates they can move into.”
