The Jamestown Rebels announced Monday morning that they have suspended operations for the 2020-21 North American Hockey League season.
P-J file photo by Matt Spielman

The Jamestown Rebels announced Monday morning that they have suspended operations for the 2020-21 North American Hockey League season.

The Rebels are the fourth NAHL team to go dormant for the upcoming season, joining the Corpus Christi IceRays, Kansas City Scouts and Springfield Jr. Blues.

“It is with great sadness that we are announcing the Jamestown Rebels have suspended operations for the 2020-21 season,” Rebels head coach Joe Coombs said in a statement. “The Rebels will not play the 2020-21 season in the state of New York because of the COVID-19 pandemic and Return to Play guidelines set forth by the state of New York.

“We will return to play in the 2021-22 season,” Coombs added. “We will begin building a new hockey team as soon as travel restrictions and scouting across the country resumes.”

The Rebels roster, as well as players from the IceRays, Scouts and Blues will be dispersed among the 24 remaining NAHL teams via a draft lottery today at 5 p.m.

“It has been a very difficult and trying time for the Rebels and the entire Jamestown community, but we feel it was the right decision for the safety of all parties including our staff, players, billet families and fans,” Coombs said. “We made every attempt to play and appreciate the cooperation we received from all parties including Northwest Arena but there were just too many obstacles to overcome.”