The NHL released a document on Monday detailing Phase 2 of its return-to-play plan as the league and its players continue to figure out if, how, and when the NHL can safely return this summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phase 2 includes protocols for testing, opening practice facilities for small group workouts, and the wearing of personal protective equipment when entering and leaving club facilities.
Per the memorandum, the league is currently targeting early June for the introduction of this second phase, though no firm date has been set.
Monday’s document does not include any dates or guidelines around training camps or the resumption of the 2019-20 campaign.
On Friday, player representatives from all 31 teams voted and agreed upon a 24-team playoff format — a big step in the league’s effort to bring the game back and ultimately crown a Stanley Cup champion.
The league has been suspended since March 12, and is still in the Phase 1 as players remain under league-mandated quarantine. Below are some of the guidelines released Monday:
Opening practice facilities:
Clubs will be allowed to reopen training facilities in their home cities under Phase 2, though distancing measures will still be in effect — a maximum of six players will be allowed to practise at one time, plus “a limited number” of team staff. Individualized training activities will be conducted on a voluntary basis, prioritizing the health and concerns of players and staff.
Per the NHL’s document: “This activity will be permitted only in those jurisdictions where the applicable health authorities have sufficiently relaxed local restrictions to permit such gatherings. Clubs whose local health authorities would allow for the reopening of Club facilities will be required to consult with and seek approval from the League prior to any reopening of Club facilities. In those jurisdictions which continue to restrict or prohibit such activity from occurring, and in order to address potential competitive concerns, the League will work with those Clubs to facilitate alternative arrangements, if desired.”
Travel to club cities
When the NHL first ordered its players to self-quarantine, many left their team’s city and returned to off-season homes.
Individuals travelling via public transportation — by commercial flight or rail — must self-quarantine for 14 days in their club city prior to engaging in any training activities at the club facility.
Other players may also be asked to self-quarantine, regardless of their mode of transportation, upon returning — including those returning from a “high-risk” environment, and those landing in areas whose local authorities continue to impose a quarantine period for any travellers.
Not all players maintain a residence in their club cities — most notably, AHL players. The league states that teams will provide separate hotel accommodations for the duration of Phase 2 and Phase 3 (training camp) activities in their club city.
More to come.
