NHL plans next step

The NHL publishes a timetable for the long way back into the game. According to this schedule, the teams should be able to return to their training facilities at the beginning of June.

Quarantine after arrival at the club, training in small groups, regular coronate tests: The North American professional ice hockey league NHL published a timetable on Monday for the long journey back to the game.

According to the schedule, “Phase Two” is to be launched at the beginning of June with a series of extensive measures. The league did not name an exact date.

The 22-page document states, among other things, that in this new phase clubs will be allowed to reopen their training facilities. However, this is subject to the condition that the relevant health authorities in the respective states have sufficiently relaxed the local restrictions. In the negative case, the league would work with the clubs on alternative arrangements, it is said.

Training in small groups
There, players are allowed to prepare for the restart in small groups of maximum six people plus “a limited number of coaches and support staff” at the same time, whereby the distance regulation must always be observed. Players who do not belong to the club are not allowed to keep fit there.

Players returning to their venue by public transport such as airplane or train should be placed in a 14-day quarantine in their own homes before participating in the training. The same applies to players who travel from areas particularly badly affected by the coronavirus.

NHL suspended since 12 March
48 hours before returning to training, players must undergo a test for COVID-19. Regular tests should then take place twice a week. Players are also encouraged to keep an eye on possible symptoms as well as their body temperature, which is also checked at the entrance.

The NHL has been on hiatus since 12 March due to the Corona Pandemic. On Friday, the players’ association NHLPA and the league agreed to continue the season in an extended play-off mode with 24 teams.