The NHL released a statement on Friday night revealing that 11 players have tested positive for the novel coronavirus since small group workouts began last Monday.
The release comes on a major news day where one of the league’s biggest stars reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 and an entire team had to shut down their facility due to the spread of the virus.
NHL statement on Phase 2 testing. pic.twitter.com/2FBhgdbFsP
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 19, 2020
The NHL’s full statement reads:
Since NHL Clubs were permitted to open their training facilities on June 8, all Players entering these facilities for voluntary training have been subject to mandatory testing for COVID-19. Through today, in excess of 200 Players have undergone multiple testing. A total of 11 of these Players have tested positive. All Players who have tested positive have been self-isolated and are following CDC and Health Canada protocols. The NHL will provide a weekly update on the number of tests administered to Players and the results of those tests. The League will not be providing information on the identity of the Players or their Clubs.
The statement appears to include positive results that were previously unknown publicly.
Earlier in the day, the Tampa Bay Lightning closed down their practice facility after reportedly five people, three players and two staff members, tested positive. Florida reported its highest total of coronavirus cases Friday and is emerging as a potential hot spot.
Later in the day, reports surfaced that Auston Matthews tested positive, becoming the biggest name so far to contract COVID-19.
Six days ago, a Coyotes’ staff member became the third person employed by the NHL to reportedly test positive for the novel coronavirus over a period of nine days. The Bruins announced on Friday that a player tested positive for COVID-19 when reporting for Phase 2 workouts. A Pittsburgh Penguins announced one of their players tested positive on June 4.
NHL training camps are scheduled to begin on July 10. Many players, including Dmitry Orlov, are returning from overseas to extend their visas as the United States continues to see its COVID-19 cases rise. Alex Ovechkin is also expected back next week.
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