On the eve of the NHL’s return, the league announced positive coronavirus test results for nine different teams. The NHL announced Tuesday that 27 players had tested positive during training camp, with 17 of those players on the Dallas Stars.
The league said most of those Stars players are asymptomatic, and all of them are “currently recovering without complication.”
The NHL administered about 12,000 tests between Dec. 30 and Jan. 11 to more than 1,200 players. Once the regular season begins Wednesday, the league will provide regular updates on test results, including the names of players who test positive.
Statement from the @NHL on COVID-19 Testing Results. https://t.co/mlq0XeD6LR pic.twitter.com/2qHy3Rtb1E
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 12, 2021
Dallas has already delayed the start of its season due to the coronavirus outbreak among the team. Three games have been postponed so far. The Stars practiced Tuesday, though, for the first time since shutting the practice facility Friday.
But the Stars aren’t alone in navigating coronavirus issues during training camp. The Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins all canceled a practice in recent days — those teams described the move as made out of “an abundance of caution.”
The NHL opens its season Wednesday, preparing for a 56-game sprint in which teams have been sorted into new geographically based divisions. The Washington Capitals open the campaign on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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