Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) - The National Hockey League is making changes to its COVID-19 protocols. This coming after recent outbreaks with the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild.
“With about 20 percent of our season played, we are mindful of the fact that we might be seeing a more aggressive transmission of the virus and will continue to make adjustments to our Protocols as we consult on a daily basis with, and adhere to, the recommendations of our medical advisors,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a league statement. “It is important to note that, while we have seen almost 100 players enter our COVID Protocols, fewer than half have done so because of confirmed positive tests – and, among that group, many have not been symptomatic. Our priority has been and will continue to be to act conservatively with an abundance of caution, understanding that there are many things about the transmission of COVID-19 that are still being discovered. As a result, we won’t hesitate to take additional measures as indicated by what we are learning and as directed by our medical advisers.”
Among the notable changes that the league will implement is that players and coaches will not be allowed to arrive at games more than one hour and 45 minutes early. In addition, no meetings can happen at the arena and must be done virtually.
The league wants, at least, six feet in-between home and visiting locker stalls, so teams must provide additional space. That is similar to what the Toronto Blue Jays did in Buffalo, where the Blue Jays had both locker rooms and built one for the visiting teams out in right field.
Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman said teams have one week to get their plans for this into the league.
The glass behind both benches has been removed, providing for better circulation.
Friedman also said that the league is considering asking teams to provide portable air cleaners behind the benches to improve indoor air quality and airborne transmission.
“As we continue to learn about the nature and transmission of COVID-19, we are trying to identify the relevant aspects of our game that are either unique or common among other sports and adjust our Protocols accordingly,” said Dr. Willem Meeuwisse, NHL Chief Medical Officer. “We will continue to analyze all of these factors and the related medical data will continue to drive all of our decisions.
The League will continue to explore additional preventative, and detective measures, and will communicate to Clubs any further requirements in this regard to ensure the safety of all Players, Club and Arena Personnel and our fans.
The Sabres have Rasmus Ristolainen, Taylor Hall, Brandon Montour and Tobi Rieder in NHL's COVID-19 protocols. It is still unclear if all four players have tested positive for COVID-19, or they have been deemed as close contacts of anyone that has tested positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, head coach Ralph Krueger has tested positive for COVID-19, as the team announced on Thursday.
Buffalo’s season has been put on pause through, at least, Monday, Feb. 8 with four games being postponed.
Buffalo's next scheduled game is Thursday, Feb. 11 against the Washington Capitals.
