The 2020 NHL season is officially suspended in light of the growing coronavirus outbreak across North America.

Following in the footsteps of both the NBA and the National Lacrosse League, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced today that all games have been suspended until further notice.

The decision will be effective immediately.

The NHL pauses the 2019-20 season. pic.twitter.com/bCi776ZFqX

— NHL (@NHL) March 12, 2020

The statement reads: "In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight's games."

The NHL is still considering resuming play and awarding the Stanley Cup depending on how the outbreak develops.

The statement comes as a shock to many hockey fans, who — just a few days ago — were balking at the idea of NHL games being played in empty arenas.

On Wednesday, Winnipeg Jets player Josh Morrissey said that playing in an empty arena would be "extremely weird."

Josh Morrissey spoke to the joy and intense competition of playing against Canadian teams out west, then was asked for his thoughts on what it might be like to play in an empty arena.

"It would be extremely weird," he said. "The fans make the game special."

— Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) March 11, 2020

Unfortunately, it seems likely that many NHL teams will not be playing at all now.

The announcement follows the NHL's suspension of all morning skates, practices and team meetings today.