NHL hopes to get team workouts started in early June
NHL teams are hoping to get back on the ice as soon as early June.
Last Friday, the NHLPA announced they will continue negotiations with the NHL to get the season started again. On Monday, May 25, the player’s association released a memo clarifying several things. One of those things is when they plan to get back on the ice in what they’re calling “Phase 2”.
According to Pierre LeBrun, the player’s association is targeting an early June return to the ice for small voluntary workouts. It’s worth pointing out these workouts are not mandatory, so if players don’t feel safe or want to stay with their families, they are allowed to.
Teams also can’t make players return from their home cities. However, if players want to return, it sounds like athletes will be granted exemptions from the border restrictions between the United States and Canada.
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The memo will be posted online later on Memorial Day (Monday May 25), but here are a few of the highlights from the memo. You can find the entire memo linked here.
First of all, these workouts are going to be very small. No more than six players will be working out at the same time in practice facilities. Also, there will be no coaches or staff members present on the ice.
Secondly, masks will be required to be worn when entering and leaving the facility. However, they will not be required while exercising. Masks will also be required to be worn in the facility when proper social distancing cannot be followed.
Thirdly, and this is huge, players will be tested twice per week during Phase 2 with a 24 hour turnaround for results. This might be what we see, even once the Stanley Cup Playoffs start.
There are still a ton of questions regarding Phase 2. First of all, how’s it going to work with only six players being allowed to workout at the same time? Secondly, can coaches adapt to not being able to be out there on the ice with the players? That could be a tad bit difficult. Thirdly, when precisely is “Phase 2” going to start?
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All of these questions, though, are probably going to be answered. Hockey seems to be close to returning, though we still probably won’t see the puck drop until at least July. But at least now, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.