Orlando Sentinel

NHL: Small-group training not far off

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

The league, which paused its season on March 12, released a memo Monday saying it’s targeting early next month as the start date for Phase 2 of its return-toplay 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 memo read. “We ... may adjust the overall timing if appropriat­e.”

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.”

“A range of clinical scenarios exist, from very mild to fatal outcome,” the 22-page memo continued. “COVID-19 generally affects older age groups and those with previously existing medical conditions, more so than younger, and otherwise healthy, individual­s.

“We recognize that players and personnel have family and household members who may fall into these vulnerable categories.”

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 at all times. 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.

The final two phases of the return-toplay protocol — training camps followed by a resumption of game action — weren’t mentioned in the memo.

 ?? JULIO CORTEZ/AP ??
JULIO CORTEZ/AP

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