NHL aims to allow limited workouts in 'early June'
The NHL is getting closer to returning to play, albeit incrementally.
On Monday, the league issued a “Return to sport” memo that detailed the protocol in place for its second phase toward resuming play, which has been paused since March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The league suggests the second phase could begin early next month:
The 22-page memo reads:
“Based on the current information available, we are now targeting a date in early June for a transition to Phase 2. However, it has not yet been determined when precisely Phase 2 will start or how long it may last. We are continuing to monitor developments in each of the Club’s markets, and may adjust the overall timing if appropriate, following discussion with all relevant parties. To better inform our decision-making, after reviewing the attached Protocol, we would like to hear from Clubs with respect to your ability to implement the required procedures and the estimated timing for your Club to be in a position to open up your training facility.”
In Phase 2, the league will allow clubs to reopen their training facilities and allow a maximum of six players plus a limited number of team staffers in order to train within jurisdictions that permit such gatherings.
In essence, players will be permitted to have optional skating sessions similar to the ones staged in late August before training camp, just with fewer players and far more rules, including:
• No contact will be permitted on the ice.
• Social or physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet will be required.
• Aside from on-ice or off-ice training, players will be required to wear a mask while in the facility.
• No coaches or other staffers are permitted on the ice.
• Off-ice activities are permitted, such as weight lifting (without a spotter) or resistance training, in the facilities.
• No players are permitted to skate at a public facility.
• The use of hot or cold tubs, saunas and steam rooms is not permitted during Phase 2.
• Only single-use beverages or food may be provided or consumed at the facilities. A team’s catering staff may provide pre-packaged meals for consumption at the player’s residence.
• All players and staffers must undergo “laboratory-based RT-PCR testing” 48 hours prior to the initial arrival at the facility.
• All players and staffers must undergo a symptom and temperature check on a daily basis.
• Prior to the start of Phase 2, each franchise’s chief medical director or head athletic trainer must conduct a meeting, remotely, with players and staffers on the coronavirus as well as all the protocol involved in this phase.
• Any player or staffer who develops symptoms (or lives with someone with symptoms) is required to alert team medical staffers immediately and begin self-isolation.
• Players are discouraged from carpooling or using public transportation.
• Players from other teams who live within proximity of a facility may take the ice as well provided that host team permits it.
The memo specifically mentions media, player agents, massage therapists, chiropractors, player performance personnel, players’ family and “any other person(s)” as being barred from facilities during Phase 2.
Seth Rorabaugh is a TribLive reporter covering the Pittsburgh Penguins. A North Huntingdon native, he joined the Trib in 2019 and has covered the Penguins since 2007. He can be reached at srorabaugh@triblive.com.
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