The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Calgary Flames have postponed games until at least December 16 after six players and one staff member have entered COVID-19 protocol within a 24-hour period.
The decision was made following consultation by the medical groups of the NHL, the NHLPA and the Flames, according to a press release by NHL Public Relations.
The press release also noted “concern with continued spread, and the likelihood of additional positive cases in the coming days,” as part of its decision to postpone games at least through Thursday.
“As an appropriate precaution, the team’s training facilities have been closed, effective immediately, and will remain closed for Players until further notice. The League is in the process of reviewing and revising the Flames regular season schedule,” the press release added.
SCHEDULE UPDATE: @NHLFlames games postponed at least through December 16. https://t.co/F4ArYpFFPh pic.twitter.com/c34OrnpIqM
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 13, 2021
“The Flames organization has followed, and will continue to follow, all recommended guidelines aimed at protecting the health and safety of its Players, staff and community at large as set by the NHL, local, provincial and national agencies,” it concluded.
The Flames announced roster updates on Monday, stating, “Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, Brad Richardson, Adam Ruzicka, Chris Tanev, Nikita Zadorov, and a member of the training staff have entered the NHL’s COVID-19 Protocol.”
#Flames Roster Update: Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, Brad Richardson, Adam Ruzicka, Chris Tanev, Nikita Zadorov, and a member of the training staff have entered the NHL’s COVID-19 Protocol.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) December 13, 2021
The announcement follows a similar postponement in November involving the Ottawa Senators.
“The Ottawa Senators had three games postponed as a result of 10 players in NHL COVID-19 protocol and ‘evidence of continued spread in recent days,’” the NHL announced in November.
Ottawa reported a total of 10 players in protocol during a loss to the Flames on November 14. “Ottawa (4-10-1) had the 10 players in protocols for their 4-0 home loss to the Calgary Flames on Sunday: forwards Drake Batherson, Austin Watson, Alex Formenton, Dylan Gambrell and Connor Brown, defensemen Nick Holden, Victor Mete, Nikita Zaitsev and Josh Brown, and goalie Matt Murray,” were listed in the press release.
The NHL is not alone in experiencing multiple players unavailable due to COVID-19 protocol. The Daily Wire reported on Sunday:
The NBA’s Chicago Bulls are missing nine players from their roster due to COVID-19 protocol, according to a report on Sunday, including stars Zach LeVine and Troy Brown, leaving only half of the team’s current roster available for Tuesday’s game with the Detroit Pistons.
“Under league rules, the Bulls need to have eight eligible players vs. the Pistons on Tuesday. There have been no Covid-related postponements in the NBA this season, but the Bulls outbreak — with LaVine and Troy Brown the latest — continues and postponements could be an option,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted Sunday.
Under league rules, the Bulls need to have eight eligible players vs. the Pistons on Tuesday. There have been no Covid-related postponements in the NBA this season, but the Bulls outbreak — with LaVine and Troy Brown the latest — continues and postponements could be an option.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 12, 2021
The Chicago Tribune reported the news on Sunday, adding, “The entire Bulls roster received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. Center Nikola Vučević said most of his teammates have received the booster shot.”
The current players listed in COVID-19 protocol include Coby White, Javonte Green, DeMar DeRozan, Matt Homas, Derrick Johnes Jr., Ayo Dosunmu, Stanley Johnson, Zach Levine, and Troy Brown, according to the report.
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Source: Dailywire
