ARIZONA COYOTES
NHL releases COVID-19 testing data; 2 players test positive
Jul 20, 2020, 11:37 AM
In this photo provided by the Dallas Stars NHL hockey team, interim head coach Rick Bowness watches practice in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 14, 2020. (Jeff Toates/Dallas Stars via AP)
(Jeff Toates/Dallas Stars via AP)
The NHL announced seemingly encouraging test results on Monday that showed only two positive cases out of more than 800 players tested since the league began formal training camps.
As part of what the league is calling Phase 3, teams have congregated at home arenas for training camp ahead of a 24-team restart that will take place in two hub cities: Edmonton, Alta., and Toronto, Ont. A statement from the NHL said that in the first five days of phase three (July 13-17), there were 2,618 tests administered to over 800 players. There were two positive results.
“Both players who tested positive have self-isolated and are following CDC and Health Canada protocols,” the statement said.
The NHL hasn’t been releasing the identity of the players who test positive or the teams they play for.
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In training camp, when a player hasn’t been able to practice for any reason, that player is designated as “unfit to practice.” That has added ambiguity to a player’s absence and made it harder for the public to deduce which players may have coronavirus or COVID-like symptoms.
The Coyotes are expected to fly to Edmonton on July 26 and play an exhibition game on July 30. Their first game in the 24-team postseason tournament is against the Nashville Predators on Aug. 2.
