Hockey’s on hold for now, as the league attempts to slow the spread of COVID-19, leaving arenas empty for an indefinite amount of time. One small silver lining is that instead of being on the road away from their families, hockey players were asked to self-quarantine at home.
Forget about lacing the skates for now–it’s time for floor hockey with the kids, quality cuddling with the newborns, and completely ignoring bedtime story protocol with Erik Karlsson.
Nic Dowd
Nic Dowd cooing at his baby is everything.
Morning chats with dad pic.twitter.com/PcURf8yKTR
— Paige Dowd (@paigemdowd) March 16, 2020
Erik Karlsson
San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson is back home with wife Mel and young daughter Harlow Rain, who was born in October. Erik certainly seems to be a good bedtime story reader–although the rest of his bedtime routine could maybe use some sharpening up. We’ll let the Karlssons speak for themselves (Photo and video: @mel.karlsson):
Mel: What are you doing? She’s supposed to be sleeping.
Erik: Yeah, but she doesn’t want to, she says she wants to play with daddy!
Mel: No. Sleep time.
Erik: *sings and dances*
Matt Calvert
The Avalanche’s Matt Calvert switched from winger to goalie as he faced off against his new rivals. Also, the goalie pads look like soccer shin guards, which is adorable.
No Days Off!!! pic.twitter.com/DoYx0GOIAF
— Matt Calvert (@mattcalvert11) March 15, 2020
Blake Coleman
Tampa Bay’s Blake Coleman got to spend extra time with his month-old daughter Charlie and wife Jordan. The text reads “Thankful for a little extra time together” (Photo: @bcoles25).
Jason Zucker
Jason Zucker–a recent acquisition of the Penguins–hadn’t seen his kiddos in 27 days, according to an Instagram story from his wife, sports reporter Carly. They certainly seem happy to hang out with dad back in Minnesota (Photos: @jason_zucker16 and @carly.zucker)!
hey guys wanna watch something cute okay here's jason zucker playing peek-a-boo with a baby
(🎥 https://t.co/GmtBKQn6VD) pic.twitter.com/Z6HJYh3oEI
— b. (@youripides) March 16, 2020
Vladimir Tarasenko
The Blues’ Tarasenko has been on IR since shoulder surgery in October, with an estimated recovery time of five months. In the meantime, he’s been hanging out with his sons, and wife Yana (Photos: @tarasenko.yana).
Pontus Aberg
Pontus Aberg spent his season split between the Toronto Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate, the Marlies. Now the single-dad has extra time to spend with his adorable daughter Molly. He appears to be wearing a facemask–hopefully, a precautious measure due to something minor (Video: @pontusaberg).
Gabe Landeskog
Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog posted a sweet photo of himself and five-month-old Linnea. The accompanying text reads “No hockey absolutely sucks, but it also means more family time and lazy mornings in bed. Stay healthy out there!”
How are you passing the time, hockey fam? Share your pictures and stories in the comments!
Headline photo: @mattcalvert11
