Lightning shut down training facility after positive tests

The Tampa Bay Lightning shut down their training facilities after three players and an unspecified number of staff members tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced Friday on its Twitter account.

In addition, the Toronto Sun reported that Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews had tested positive for the coronavirus while at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., and that an unspecified number of Arizona Coyotes players who had been working out with him also tested positive. Florida and Arizona are among the states that recently have experienced spikes in reported COVID-19 cases.

The NHL said Friday 11 players have tested positive out of more than 200 who have undergone multiple tests since players were allowed to use team facilities. Those who have tested positive are selfisolating and following U.S. or Canadian health protocols. The league will provide a weekly update on the number of tests administered and the results but will not identify the players or their teams. — Helene Elliott

Clemson said 28 athletes or staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since returning to school June 8 . ... An unidentified San Francisco 49ers player tested positive for COVID-19 after an informal workout with teammates in Tennessee, the NFL Network reported . ... Japan opened its baseball season after a threemonth delay caused by the outbreak . ... The United Soccer League Championship is preparing to resume its season on July 11 after reaching an agreement with the USL Players Assn.

Canada approved the NHL’s Return to Play proposal that could lead to one or more cities north of the border serving as host sites for the league’s 24-team playoff format.

The decision followed discussions with government health officials, and comes as the league enters the advanced stages of selecting its hub cities — most likely two — from a list of seven in the U.S. and three in Canada. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly didn’t rule out the possibility of two hubs in Canada from among Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton.