Following the vote from the NHL Players Association to approve a 24-team playoff format, the NHL appears ready to move quickly towards Phase 2 of reopening the league (team facilities being opened for small groups working out) as soon as next week.
The 29-page memo states “we are now targeting a date in early June for a transition to Phase 2. However, it has not yet been determined when precisely Phase 2 will start or how long it may last.”
The memo indicates that participation in team workouts is “strictly voluntary” and that clubs cannot mandate players to return to participate and that the conditions during these workout sessions will be restricted.
A maximum of six players will be able to train at a team facility at the same time and no coaches can be involved in on-ice work, but players are not required to wear face masks when they are exercising or on the ice.
From NHL/NHLPA Phase 2 memo, regarding players: ``Face coverings (cloth or surgical-type mask) shall be worn at all times – other than while exercising -- when entering or leaving the Club facility and while inside the Club facility where social distancing cannot be maintained.''
Testing of players and club personnel will under the direction of individual teams and have to take place “48 hours prior to any person returning to club training
facilities in order to detect active or recent infection”, temperature checks will be taken no more than two hours before personnel enter the team facilities and will be retested twice a week going forward.
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