The city of Springfield will not be hosting professional hockey for the first time in decades this season.
The American Hockey League's Springfield Thunderbirds announced on Monday they will be opting out of play for the 2020-2021 season.
The team said the decision was based on numerous safety and logistical concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was set to be the fifth season for the Thunderbirds, who replaced the Springfield Falcons after they relocated to Arizona.
Officials say the logistics of getting a season done, without fans and the resulting income made producing a season almost impossible.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak/WHYN News)