For the fourth time since NHL training camps opened, a team has decided to shut down practice and workouts for a day due to potential exposure to COVID-19. The announcement from the Vancouver Canucks marks the first time a Canadian team has had to do it.
"Canucks Camp practices and workouts for today (Sunday) are cancelled," said the team on Twitter. "The decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to potential exposure of COVID-19."
"Details regarding tomorrow's schedule will be announced later today."
The announcement did not say whether a player or staff member had tested positive for COVID-19. Sportsnet is now reporting that Vancouver's training camp will resume on Monday.
Earlier this week, the Dallas Stars announced their season opener would be delayed until at least January 19th after six players and two members of their staff tested positive for COVID-19. Later, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins skipped training days due to potential exposure.
Positive tests once the season gets started would be a nightmare for the NHL. The season is already shortened to 56 games and the league is doing everything it can to finish it and the playoffs on time in an attempt to get back to a regular schedule in 2021-22. That said, as Dave Pagnotta points out,
"while the Canucks are the 4th team to have practice cancelled due to Covid-19 exposure, the Blue Jackets returned to practice the next day and the Penguins did their skate this AM ahead of today's scrimmage. Not every scenario is doom and gloom. This was anticipated."
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