By Michael Pavitt |
The National Hockey League (NHL) confirmed no positive coronavirus tests were recorded during its latest round of testing, as the competition aims to resume on August 1.
The NHL has concluded phase three, the formal training camp stage, of its protocols for a return to play.
“No positive test results for COVID-19 among the 4,256 tests administered to more than 800 players during the period from July 18-25,” the NHL said.
“During the two-week period of phase three there were a total of two positive tests (both occurred during the period from July 13-17) among the 6,874 total tests.”
All 24 teams have now arrived in Edmonton and Toronto.
Edmonton and Toronto were chosen are to be hubs for the NHL’s return, with players entering a bio-secure ‘bubble’ environment.
The arrival of the teams marks the beginning of phase four of the NHL’s return.
Phase four allows a squad of 31 players, including goalies, and a maximum of 52 individuals per team, which includes coaching staff, owners and executives, to enter the bubble.
The NHL says each of the 52 members of the 24 teams will be tested on a daily basis.
Regular updates on the number of tests administered to players and the results of those tests are expected to be provided.
The NHL is aiming to resume its season with the Stanley Cup qualifiers on August 1.
There will be 24 teams in this year’s Stanley Cup qualifiers, in which 16 teams will play a best-of-five series, while the top four sides in the Western and Eastern Conferences will compete in a round-robin competition to determine seeding for the playoffs.
The hubs established by the NHL feature hotels, practice rinks, match venues and recreational areas.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) season is also scheduled to resume in a bubble at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.
Major League Baseball (MLB( has not resumed with a bubble.
Two MLB matches were postponed yesterday following a series of positive tests among Miami Marlins players, with two more games called off today.
Republished with permission from insidethegames.biz.