The ECHL will have a 2020-21 season, the league announced on Friday.
The league will have a split-season format, with 13 teams playing a 72-game season beginning on Dec. 11, and the remaining 12 teams beginning a 62-game season (upon jurisdictional approval) beginning on Jan. 15. The Atlanta Gladiators, affiliate of the Bruins, have elected a voluntary suspension this season and will not play.
The regular season will conclude on June 6, with standings being determined by points percentage because of the unequal number of games. A postseason format will be announced at a later date.
The Nailers are among the 13 group of teams that will kick off the season on Dec. 11. They're joined by Allen, Florida, Greenville, Indy, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Orlando, Rapid City, South Carolina, Tulsa, Utah, and Wichita.
There is no news on whether fans will be permitted to attend games, and the decision will presumably be left up to the teams themselves.
The Nailers are holding a press conference this afternoon about the news.
The NHL this week announced a target start date for next season of Jan. 1. The AHL last publicly announced a target Dec. 4 start, but that was back in July.