No timeline set for NHL return

NEW YORK/TORONTO (660 NEWS) — Over the past month and a half hockey fans have been patiently waiting for the season to resume since being on hold for the COVID-19 pandemic.

And they’ll have to wait a little bit longer.

The NHL and NHLPA said through a statement on Wednesday that despite rumours and speculation there have not been any decisions on when the league will startup again.

The league will continue working with medical experts and government officials in order to get back to playing when it is safe to do so.

Some developments in some teams city’s have them looking ahead to Phase 2 of the NHL’s Return to Play period — this follows Phase 1, which is the period of ‘self-quarantine’ by players and hockey staff — where players could return to small group activities in NHL facilities.

Premier Jason Kenney addressed the league’s return about Edmonton potentially being a host city.

“If we could do that safely in Alberta I think that would be awesome, we’d have to make sure that all of the health protocols are followed very rigorously and given the professionalism and the resources of the league I’m confident they could come forward with a detailed proposal for consideration by our public health officials,” Kenney said.

“We have not yet received such a detailed proposal, I have not had any further discussions with the NHL since last week, (but) my office continues to be in touch with the Edmonton Oilers, however, and I think conversations continue between them and the league.”

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There was no set date of when Phase 2 will happen, but with recent conditions improving favourably in some communities there is a belief, with league officials, this could take place in mid-to-late May.

Players and hockey staff are continuing to adhere to recommended guidelines that were put in place by the NHL when the season was suspended on March 12 and the league’s Return to Play Committee will continue to meet to determine a date when it is safe to get back on the ice.

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