The Washington Capitals will move into Phase 2 of the NHL’s return-to-play plan by opening MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia, to players for small-group workouts starting Thursday, the team announced.
Under Phase 2, teams can hold workouts with no more than six players on the ice at one time. Players will participate on a voluntary basis.
Speaking in late May, general manager Brian MacLellan estimated that there were only six players quarantining in the Washington area while the rest had gone to their home countries or summer homes.
Phase 2 will continue until the NHL is ready to move into Phase 3, in which teams will hold a training camp for all players to prepare for the resumption of the season later this summer.
“The various measures set out in the Phase 2 Protocol by the National Hockey League are intended to provide players with a safe and controlled environment in which to resume their conditioning,” the Capitals said in a statement. “Phase 2 is not a substitute for training camp.”
MedStar Capitals Iceplex will remain closed to the public, the media and general staff.
The NHL season has been on pause since March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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