COVID-19 Outbreaks Cost NHL Teams Games. Will They Also Cost Countries Olympic Medals?
On December 20, 2020, the NHL announced plans to play a shortened 56-game season. Commissioner Gary Bettman declared “While we are well aware of the challenges ahead… we are continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our participants and the communities in which we live and play.” Bettman didn’t explain how the league planned to keep players safe by making them physically exert themselves in close contact while a deadly airborne disease was spreading.
COVID-19 continued to infect new players and coaches, in spite of the NHL’s safety guidelines. On Jan 30/31, 2021, the Buffalo Sabres played back-to-back games against the New Jersey Devils. Soon after, the majority of Devils players tested positive for the virus. Five Sabres players and coach Ralph Krueger subsequently became infected. Sabres managers were furious after league officials refused to share information with them about the Devils’ COVID status.
Almost two years later, COVID vaccines are widely available, but players don’t have to get one. However, athletes who won’t get vaccinated can’t play games in Canada. Clubs can suspend unvaccinated players and fine them for not participating in Canadian matchups. Non-vaxxed team members also have to get tested daily, and if they miss games as a result, they don’t get paid. At the start of the season, there were only four NHL players who weren’t vaccinated, including Detroit Red Wings left wing Tyler Bertuzzi, who refused to get the shot. Bertuzzi was forced to stay home for three Detroit games in Canada, from Oct. 23-Nov. 2. The Red Wings lost all three.
Despite the small number of unvaccinated pro hockey athletes, teams continue to suffer because of players who get infected or violate COVID protocols. San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane was suspended for 21 games and lost $35,000 a day through Nov. 28 for violating COVID rules.
The Ottawa Senators postponed three games in November because 10 players were on COVID protocol. During the Senators’ 4-0 loss to the Calgary Flames on Nov. 14, none of these players could start, including forward Drake Batherson, who led the Senators with 16 points and seven goals.
COVID has impacted hockey franchises since the pandemic began. It’s unclear what effect the virus will have on the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. The NHL still hasn’t decided whether players will be allowed to compete in the games. Commissioner Bettman reportedly doesn’t want players to participate, but won’t renege on an agreement with the NHLPA that lets athletes go to Beijing.
Some players are hesitant to take part in the Olympics because of COVID concerns. Vegas Knights goaltender Robin Lehner has told Team Sweden he won’t participate because of health risks. Other players may follow suit, because anyone who tests positive must quarantine in China for three weeks.
COVID-19 and the league’s reluctance to force players to vaccinate have already cost teams games. Olympic medals could be the next COVID casualty.
-Jeff Dahlberg
Twitter: @JeffDahlberg3