Coyotes take to social media as coronavirus halts NHL season

The Arizona Coyotes have a little more free time on their hands now that the NHL has put its season on pause due to coronavirus.

BY MATT LAYMAN

Mar 18, 2020, 5:15 AM

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Oliver Ekman-Larsson #23 of the Arizona Coyotes celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a power play goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on December 20, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Arizona Coyotes are probably bored right now.

At least, that would stand to reason as coronavirus has stopped the NHL season in its tracks for an unknown period of time. The Coyotes were set to have a home game against the Vancouver Canucks just hours after the league announced it would put the season on pause.

So now what?

Some players have expressed on social media their shock at the situation, and understandably so; the coronavirus pandemic suddenly changed the entire sports landscape, practically overnight.

There was even a Coyotes player, Aaron Ness, who reportedly tested negative for the virus.

So in the midst of the madness, here’s what Arizona Coyotes players were doing and saying on social media while they await the fate of the season:

This is bigger than hockey. ❤️

A message from @OEL23: pic.twitter.com/Y5DOrslHqf

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 16, 2020

“Hey fans. We missing playing in front of you guys, but this is bigger than hockey,” captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson said. “I hope you guys take care of yourself and each other and stay safe and see you soon.”

Christian Fischer also put out a video:

Fish misses you guys.
We miss you guys. pic.twitter.com/qCLhmT9caN

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 16, 2020

“Hey Coyotes fans. Hope you guys are doing well, hope you guys are safe,” Fischer said. “We appreciate you guys’ patience and we can’t wait until we’re back on the ice, playing in front of you guys every night. Until then, just stay safe and we’ll see you guys soon.”

Michael Grabner chose to take the humor route as toilet paper shortages become a real struggle:

Great shows called “locked inside” and “where did the toilet paper go” https://t.co/joT0FRtwBf

— Michael Grabner (@grabs40) March 14, 2020

That’s what happens when you are running out of toilet paper and trying to hold it in 🤷🏼‍♂️ #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/lUwahaQQ3G

— Michael Grabner (@grabs40) March 16, 2020

Learn how to play Xbox 😂 https://t.co/KATVu9F9vU

— Michael Grabner (@grabs40) March 12, 2020

Nashville Predators forward Nick Bonino issued a statement on Twitter in which he encouraged people to stay home for the sake of others’ safety. Both Alex Goligoski and Jason Demers responded to that tweet: