Full shields might be part of NHL re-start
The mere notion of frequent fighters wearing full face shields has always been a nonstarter in the NHL, even with the downturn in such duels the past few decades.
But COVID-19 precautions could change that — for all players — when the league starts up again. An infectious disease specialist was the latest in the medical field to promote the idea, telling TSN this week that the league should consider modified shields. Maple Leafs pugnacious winger Kyle Clifford can certainly see the logic.
“If that’s the road we’re going to go down, then that’s a matter of safety for the players,” Clifford said Wednesday on a conference call with Toronto media. “It’s going to be different (when the season resumes at some point this spring or summer). It’s not an ideal time and we’ll have to do everything we can to maintain the safest levels for the players, coaches, training staff, referees and everybody that’s going to be involved in putting this back together again.”
Would Clifford have to change his game?
“I don’t really have an answer for that,” he said. “I’d like to give you more, but I don’t want to make something up. I would imagine there would be some testing level for all players and the coaches and refs would not have COVID. But it’s one of those questions I don’t have an answer for.”
THEIR SUGGESTIONS
The disease expert who spoke to TSN had other suggestions besides shields, which would be the most obvious way to reduce the spread of droplets. Perhaps the league considers a temporary ban on all fighting (the ultimate risk when it comes to potentially infected hands touching the face) and no scrums after whistles so linesmen wouldn’t have to stick their arms in to break players up. Wingers could have to maintain two feet of distance on the edge of faceoff circles instead of getting close enough to lean into the same space or fence with sticks for positioning. Spitting on ice or the bench would be strongly discouraged.
Coaches and other staffers would practice social distancing and wear face masks on the bench (we’d dare to guess those covers would be the licensed team logo brand that the league and players began selling on line last month with a charitable component).
Such things would have to be negotiated by the Players Association and the league, but deputy commissioner Bill Daly doesn’t think such drastic measures as the expert put out there will be needed.
“We would consider anything our infectious disease experts and advisers might recommend,” Daly told the network. “But I’m not sure given the circumstances of our game that any dramatic modifications will really be necessary.”
Clifford was also quizzed on the league’s much-discussed ‘hub city’ plan that would have a number of teams play out of one venue.
As the father of three young boys, he’s among those wondering how the separation and quarantine of up to a month or more might adversely affect his family and if they could possibly join him in the hub location at some point.
“It’s a bit of a hot topic,” Clifford agreed. “(Commissioner) Gary Bettman and the PA will do what’s best for the families. I want my children to be safe, I want my wife (Paige) to be safe. But I hope families are around to enjoy the playoffs. If you’re hoping to be drinking from the Stanley Cup, I definitely would like my family there. But it’s a better question for the PA and Gary.”
Clifford, a native of Ayr, Ont., is with Paige and sons Brody, Ryker and Cooper in Gravenhurst, Ont. It’s two months and counting of bonus time as a Dad.
“An eye-opening experience,” the 29-year-old Clifford said with a laugh. “I always had an appreciation for what my wife does with the children, but it’s definitely grown. I’ve enjoyed this time. This is not a schedule I’m used to, but we have a lot of mini-stick games going on. I had them in the lake a few times even though it’s cold. They were brave enough.
“We’re just enjoying the family time that’s not always there this time of year when you’re in a playoff hunt. We’re safe and hope everybody in Toronto is, too.”