New Flames Signing Connor Mackey Happy With Final Season In Mankato

Minnesota State junior Connor Mackey is the poster child for NHL late bloomers. After being an afterthought during his teenage draft-eligible years, the 23-year-old Mackey was the prize of the NCAA free-agent signings, as the Calgary Flames landed their big fish late last week.

Since the NHL’s mandated season suspension, hockey fans have longed for action for nearly two weeks, but creativity and spontaneity have helped satisfy during the outbreak of COVID-19.

When it comes to crisis management in sports, WCHA Commissioner Bill Robertson has earned a PhD. The man affectionately known as “Billy Rob” was public relations director for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim during the NHL’s 104-day lockout in 1994-95, and he held the same post for the Minnesota Wild when the NHL shut down their entire season a decade later. 

As the NHL hiatus continues due to the threat of the coronavirus, the potential loss of regular-season games is a reminder of missed opportunities among NHL superstars.

The cruelest two words in sport: “What if?” 

As coronavirus concerns spread and precautions are taken, the NCAA is just one of many entities that has announced the cancelation of the 2019-20 season, which could be followed by a wave of NHL signings.

“You’re not in the locker room . . . guys sitting in their gear. WE’RE ON A BUS JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE HELL WE’RE GOING TO DO!”

College hockey is done for the season. 

Shortly after the WCHA canceled the remainder of their season due to concerns around the spread of the coronavirus, Atlantic Hockey has followed suit. The rest of the playoffs have been canceled. 

The remainder of the 2020 WCHA playoffs have been canceled. You can read the full press release below issued by the conference.