Phase 2 of the NHL’s Return to Play plan started Monday for the Avalanche at the Pepsi Center.

Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, Ian Cole, Joonas Donskoi and Philipp Grubauer were on the ice, and possibly Nazem Kadri.

The team released this video on Twitter:

🚨This is not a drill!🚨

Gabe and Nate are running drills!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/2VHhByylx7

— x-Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 15, 2020

Hey, it’s a start.

The on- and off-ice workouts are voluntary, no more than six players can be present at the same time, and coaches aren’t permitted on the ice, rules to help keep everyone as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fans and media aren’t allowed to attend.

If all goes well according to what the medical experts have to say, Phase 3 -- formal training camps – will start July 10. Assuming that lasts two or three weeks and the pandemic is under control, the league’s 24-team return leading to 16-team Stanley Cup playoffs would start in August.

Here’s Cole hitting the ice, courtesy of the Avalanche:

Colesy is on the ice!!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/6GuvIqaJQH

— x-Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 15, 2020

Here’s Grubauer getting ready to get in some work:

First on the new ice: Philipp Grubauer#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/5d5J28JByJ

— x-Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 15, 2020

There could be some actual hockey to enjoy again, (even if it’s only on television). Let's hope for the best.



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