NHL is returning, but there will be problems

The NHL is getting ready to return, but they will experience some of the issues that other leagues such as the NFL, MLB, and NBA have.

There is some good news if you are a hockey fan. The NHL is getting ready to return. Now that the celebration is over it is time to talk about some issues. The NHL released their initial COVID-19 results Monday and this seems like a similar report that MLB had last week.

NHL statement on COVID-19 testing results: pic.twitter.com/NDWmOwnvnf
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) July 6, 2020

The initial testing results do not seem bad, but that will most likely change.

A twitter thread of protocols were tweeted yesterday by Bob McKenzie of TSN. (If you do not want to read the whole thing skip past it.)

The entire package — RTP and CBA — will need to be ratified by NHLPA executive committee and then a full membership vote but no ratification will take place until the CBA MOU is complete. Also will require ratification by NHL Board of Governors.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 5, 2020

Any player may opt out of Phase 3 and Phase 4 without penalty of any kind, but must make that decision and notify his club in writing by no later than 5 p.m. ET on July 7; Each of the 24 NHL clubs in Phase 3/4 must submit list of participating players by no later than July 9.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020

BTW, the dates listed here are subject to change for obvious reasons (ratification etc) but these are the dates currently outlined in the document that has been sent to players tonight.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020

If the test result is unavailable within the 24-hour period, the individual is not permitted to remain in club training facilities until such time that the test comes back negative.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020

All players who haven’t already had it as part of Phase 2 will undergo a Pre-Participation Medical Examination (PPME) prior to any Phase 3 activities but after any required quarantine period has been served.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020

…shall be deemed to be unfit to play and shall not be permitted to participate in either Phase 3 or Phase 4. A player may initiate a second opinion concerning his fitness to play status pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the Standard Player Contract.”
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020

Any player who tests positive for COVID-19 or has a resulting or related illness will be deemed “unfit to play” and it will be an illness arising out of his employment as a hockey player and treated as a hockey-related injury for all purposes under the CBA.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020

Players participating in Phase 3 are not permitted to work out or skate at any public facility. No fitness testing of players by clubs will be permitted during Phase 3. Permitted Phase 3 activities include all on/off-ice sessions with coaches, traditional training camp activities
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020

Face coverings are required for all individuals who enter a club training facility for Phase 3. Where social distancing cannot be maintained within the facility, face coverings are required other than when player is exercising or on the ice.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020

Pretty lengthy right? It reads like the Declaration of Independence. The NHL is about to embark on a similar journey that the other leagues have. Players are going to test positive, that is a fact. Major League Baseball is doing a hell of a job of being completely terrible when it comes to testing and safety. The National Hockey League will somehow have to find a way to avoid the similar problems the other leagues have and it may not be possible. Like with all sports, hope for the best and expect the worst.

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The NHL is getting ready to return, but they will experience some of the issues that other leagues such as the NFL, MLB, and NBA have.

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