Dundee Stars fear 'catastrophic' impact if Covid curbs are extended
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Dundee Stars co-owner Steve Ward says it would be "catastrophic" if caps on attendances continue beyond mid-January without government support.
New restrictions announced by the Scottish government on Tuesday mean indoor sporting events can be attended by a maximum of 200 people from Sunday.
Glasgow Clan have postponed their home festive fixtures against Belfast Giants and Fife Flyers as a result.
"We're already under a bit of strain," Dundee's Ward said.
"We haven't played a game at home since 12 December and it's during the busy new year period we would anticipate larger crowds anyway."
Dundee have five home games affected before the curbs are due to end on 16 January.
"It's going to have a huge impact on our income," Ward said. "It's going to run into six figures.
"We are a pay at the gate business. We depend more or less solely on the fans coming through the door to pay our way."
Stars had been in discussions with fellow Scottish sides Fife Flyers and Clan "trying to put a package in place where we can continue to play, albeit with reduced attendances".
Ward explained that, as of yet, they have had no promises or assurances about financial support but are hopeful that something will be forthcoming from the government or sportscotland.
"Our problem would be if there is none and if the restrictions last longer then we would then be in serious financial difficulties going forward," he said.
"It would be catastrophic. It would mean that we would probably go back to what we had to do two years ago and close down the season and send the players home. It does not actually bare thinking about."
Clan were due to host Belfast Gaints on 27 December and Flyers on 31 December but are rearranging the fixtures so that both can be played in front of fans once the restrictions end.
A decision on home fixtures against Sheffield Steelers, Guildford Flames and Nottingham Panthers "will be made as soon as the compensation package from the Scottish government has been agreed".
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