The NHL is pausing the season for several days starting Wednesday.
The league announced late Monday night that starting Dec. 22, there will be a blanket pause for all teams because of COVID-19. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Players who produce a negative test on Dec. 26 will be allowed to enter team facilities and games will resume Dec. 27.
The @NHL and @NHLPA have agreed to begin the Holiday Break after Tuesday’s games. Practices will resume on Dec. 26 and the League’s regular-season schedule will resume on Dec. 27. https://t.co/0Bmu8dlZ1M pic.twitter.com/JHbxtzMX6D
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 21, 2021
So far, the NHL is the only major sports league to issue a blanket pause because of COVID-19. Other leagues are dealing with issues, but only hockey has pulled the plug for an extended period of time.
The pause is only for a few days, but it is a sign that things are getting worse with COVID-19.
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We’ve seen postponements in every major sports league you can think of and the NHL apparently thinks a blanket pause will give players some extra time to get healthy.
It’s also worth noting the NHL’s vaccination rate is nearly 100%. Yet, that hasn’t been enough to save players from testing positive.
Hearing NHL/NHLPA will agree to pause season Wednesday through Christmas Day. Players will return to team facilities on 26th — one day earlier than usual — so that testing can be resumed.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 21, 2021
Let’s all hope other leagues won’t soon do the same as the NHL. Games being paused is the last thing we need.