PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL announced Tuesday on its Web site that the Augusta Lynx have suspended operations, effective immediately, and voluntarily relinquished their membership back to the League.

The move comes as a result of the Augusta ownership group being unable to continue to operate in 2008-09.

Augusta players immediately become unrestricted free agents.

The league added that Augusta’s game at Mississippi Thursday as well as the Gwinnett at Charlotte game Thursday have been cancelled.

The league is working on a revised version of the playing schedule which will be released as soon as possible. The Lynx had eight games remaining against the Florida Everblades, including three Dec. 26-28 in Augusta.