ice Hockey
The National Hockey League (NHL) is slated to begin operations in Canada on August 1 with five games. The league board and most players approved the plan presented by the league and the players’ union on Friday (local time). The weather was interrupted on 12 March due to a coronovirus crisis before the end of the main round.
The Edmonton Oilers will play in the opening game against the Chicago Blackhawks, and Edmonton has plans for the game between the Calgary Flames and the Winnipeg Jets. Three matches in Toronto (Carolina – New York Rangers, New York Islanders – Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins – Montreal Canadiens) are scheduled to take place on the same day, spectators not allowed.
From 8 June, teams are able to train on a voluntary basis under strict conditions, with 24 teams beginning training on Monday. The teams will arrive in Edmonton and Toronto on 26 July. Each delegation can consist of a maximum of 52 people in terms of players, coaches and officials. They are to be tested for coronavirus 48 hours before team training begins and then daily.
Strict terms
There is a qualifying round first, followed by a play-off with 24 teams. During the knockout phase, players receive single rooms, with each team having its own floor in the hotel. Players must wear mouth and nose protection during their stay, family visits are allowed only after the conference finals.
If a player tests positive, he should go into quarantine. The club can only disclose the name after consulting the NHL and NHLPA Players Association. The conference finals are scheduled to begin on 8 September. The final for the Stanley Cup in Edmonton is scheduled to begin on September 22 and end on October 4 at the latest. According to media reports, the next NHL season will begin on December 1.
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