Worcester Railers announce January season start date

The Worcester Railers Hockey Club will begin its 2020-21 regular season on Jan. 15, as part of a split-season format announced by the team in conjunction with the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association on Friday. 

Previously, the Railers planned for an amended Dec. 4 start date. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the season was scheduled to begin Oct. 16.

Under the split-season, teams from Allen, Fla., Greenville, Ind., Jacksonville, Kansas City, Orlando, Rapid City, S.C., Tulsa, Utah, Wheeling, West Virginia and Wichita will begin a 72-game season on Dec. 11. Other teams, including the Railers, will begin their season on Jan. 15, completing a 62-game season, according to a Railers press release.

“The decision to focus on a January start date provides us with the best opportunity to play with fans present in a safe and fun environment, said Railers President Stephanie Ramey, in a statement.

The Railers currently have 17 players under contract for the 2020-21 season.