NHL plans to start training in groups

The NHL hopes to have players back in team facilities soon -with plenty of precautions.

The league, which paused its season March 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, released a memo Monday saying it is targeting early next month as the start date for Phase 2 of its return-to-play protocol, including the opening of practice rinks and allowing small, voluntary group workouts on and off the ice.

“It has not yet been determined when precisely Phase 2 will start or how long it may last,” the said read. “We are continuing to monitor developments in each of the clubs’ markets, and may adjust the overall timing if appropriate, following discussion with all relevant parties.”

The NHL, which has worked closely with the NHL Players’ Association on the phased approach, said that while it views the protocol as “very comprehensive ... (it) cannot mitigate all risk.”

If the Phase 2 plan gets the green light, on-ice sessions will be noncontact and involve up to six players, who will be expected to maintain physical distancing. Players will be required to wear masks when entering and exiting facilities, and when not able to physically distance.

“Players are not required to wear face coverings when they are exercising or on the ice,” the memo said.

Teams are not allowed to require a player to return to a club’s home city to complete any necessary quarantine measures before the workouts begin. Coaches and management will be allowed to watch, but not participate in, the informal skates.

The final two phases of the return-toplay protocol -- training camps followed by a resumption of game action -- were not mentioned in the memo.

The NHL/NHLPA Return to Play Committee has been hashing out details of what the game will look like if it’s allowed to return this summer. The union’s executive board approved further negotiations on a 24-team format Friday.

The Phase 2 memo made public Monday also states players and staff will be administered COVID-19 nasal swab tests two days before training begins and will be tested twice a week afterward. They must perform daily self-administered temperature and symptom checks at home before heading to team facilities.

Clubs must also administer “a separate temperature and symptom check at the entrance of the club facility.”