16 months ago, the NHL chose to relocate to Canada to hold its playoffs, as the country was known for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the circuit must contend with Canadian health measures as it tries to continue its season.
The NHL announced Monday that it was postponing nine games scheduled in Canada from December 31 to January 10, including five scheduled to take place at the Bell Center in Montreal.
In its press release, the NHL explains that capacity limits in the amphitheatres are the cause of these postponements and that it will try to put these parts back on the schedule when the restrictions are relaxed or removed.
This announcement highlights the different visions that Canada and the United States have regarding the management of the pandemic.
On Monday, U.S. health officials reduced isolation restrictions for people with COVID-19 from ten to five days, prompting the NHL to review its protocols.
However, there is currently no indication that Canada will follow in the footsteps of its neighbor to the south. On the contrary, several provinces are adding restrictive measures, such as capacity limits for large events.
“The government and the population are not in a state of mind conducive to relaxing measures, especially not health workers,” said University of Ottawa professor Gilles LeVasseur, who specializes in relations. Canadian-American.
“People tend to accept more restrictions to protect themselves. The idea that the virus is now part of our lives and that we have to live with it is not very widespread, ”according to Mr. LeVasseur.
This opinion is better received in the United States, however, to the point where some NHL players are frustrated that the protocols are not relaxed. The 10-day withdrawal from activities imposed on players who have tested positive for COVID-19 is particularly criticized.
“Looks like it’s always because of Canada that things don’t change, so I don’t see how we could pass (a reduction in the length of the forced withdrawal),” said the Tampa Lightning forward. Bay and NHL Players’ Association Representative Alex Killorn.
“But I think it’s safe to say that we would embrace this change and do whatever it takes to put it in place quickly.” ”
Navigate in troubled waters
The NFL and NBA can quickly adopt shorter isolation periods for people who test positive for COVID-19. The two leagues may also consider not testing asymptomatic and vaccinated players.
But with seven teams north of the border, the NHL has no choice but to come to terms with the new health restrictions imposed by the Canadian government and the various provinces.
“We’re used to having to work with different rules in different regions, so it’s not a new challenge,” NHL Assistant Commissioner Bill Daly said in an email to The Associated Press prior to the. announces new postponements of matches.
“We are in troubled waters and we are doing everything we can to stay in control,” added Daly hours before the NHL resumed activities.
The Bettman circuit returned to Tuesday evening after a holiday break decreed in reaction to the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases among several teams.
Not while we’re playing in Canada
New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said on Sunday that the NHL is doing its best to keep its activities going, but that it does not have control over the measures in place in Canada.
“Unless we don’t play in Canada or have teams in Canada, we might consider not testing asymptomatic vaccinated players, and that option would certainly be considered,” said Lamoriello.
“But with Canada’s guidelines and rules, that’s impossible. We would not have the right to present matches without passing tests. ”
The NHL is testing players, coaches and staff daily through January 7 under strengthened health protocols, which also include the return of mask wear and additional restrictions for teams on the road. Reserve squads are also back until the All-Star break.
As to whether Canada will follow the US strategy of living with the virus, Professor LeVasseur does not expect that change to happen for at least two weeks.
“If there is ultimately no overflow in hospitals, maybe this mentality will set in,” he said. But until January 15, nothing will go in this direction. There will be more closures and restrictions. This is what we should expect. ”