Canadian Hockey During a Pandemic

As everyday reports of coronavirus cases across Canada rose and the number of deaths too, planning the future set off as anything but straightforward. Like every other aspect of this pandemic, hockey has discovered that its possibilities are only interim. Across the map, the extent to which Canadian hockey activities have been restricted, adjourned, and even canceled is generally a reflection of local coronavirus-related complications and situations. Even in pre-pandemic period, all was not going smooth with Canadian Hockey. The actualities of the high costs of playing the game, flagging enrollments, and the persistent concussions toll have all distorted Canadian hockey sport. However, Canadian hockey is still greatly and proudly embraced because the local rinks remain a community hub. Working close with Hockey Canada and public health authorities across Canada during this pandemic, provisional associations have been in the front line to see that the sport is running again. 

In Saskatchewan, hockey progression was constant through September as teams participated in tryouts, selected their players, and started practicing. In larger hockey centers, one could come up with leagues of up to 50 players, and you could play games and scrimmage as there existed no worries concerning dressing rooms or body contacts (The New York Times, 2021). Hence, hockey was fairly normal to start, only that playing games was not allowed during that time. However, with the return of hockey in Canada, some parents have held back their hockey children because they object to the masking measures in arenas. 

For some junior hockey players in Canada, this is the last year their eligibility to play in Junior A. They have constantly been working towards a U.S. hockey scholarship dream for years. Still, since the pandemic has stalled their final Junior A seasons, some Canadian hockey players are now worried that their window to opportunities is now shutting (Pauls, 2021). Notably, some players say that they thought that was an attainable goal, but the pandemic has drastically affected the course of their lives. However, after several months of training, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League commenced its schedule, although slightly than in the previous seasons. As Maxime Blouin league's director says, the hockey games went on well, though not for so long.

Moreover, two teams that engaged each other the starting weekend abruptly put a stop the operations after 34 players, staff members, and other officials tested positive for the virus (The New York Times, 2021). With the pandemic hitting hard across Canada, more Quebec league teams followed suit, but the league's six teams in Canada's Maritime province were not hit hard, hence playing amongst themselves. However, this province had a limited number of fans. 

Challenges After Return

The Canadian government has allowed National Hockey League (N.H.L.) players to their own facilities for voluntary on and off ice-workouts. However, the players were permitted to skate in numbers of up to six at a time. Moreover, the N.H.L.'s return required an exemption from the Canadian government, allowing the players and team officials to cross borders as the border is currently inaccessible to non-essential travels. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canadian's chief public health officer, said that despite the N.H.L. permission to cross borders, robust protocols such as group quarantine and testing are important (ESPN, 2020). The hockey league will continuously work with the public health officers and observe health measures strictly as this is important for the players and the health and safety of other Canadians. 

Besides, an added complication for N.H.L. is that the league will be playing with two countries, but the Canadian border is still inaccessible for foreign nationals. This is a notable challenge for many players from other countries on their roster, for organizations whose prospects play for teams across the border and traveling across the borders for the games (Regan, 2020). That speaks to the core of the real issue facing the Canadian hockey league, the unknown. The N.H.L. does not perceive when a vaccine for the COVID-19 will be available or even when the vaccine will be widely available. Similarly, the league does not perceive when the cases will subside in either country and does not comprehend when the arenas will be having the ability to pack the house to full capacity fans for the sporting events. But the N.H.L. has to develop a plan to engage in a hockey season among all the uncertainties. This becomes a mammoth challenge for the N.H.L.

Unfortunately, the return of the N.H.L. will have the games played without fans present. The N.H.L. returns after coronavirus shut down, but all pro hockey sports fans will be converted to a screen experience, implying that Canadian hockey's challenge may be most pronounced in this pandemic. Qualifying rounds for an expanded set of postseason teams will occur in two Canadian hub city arenas without fans present. The N.H.L. has always been trying to capture new T.V. viewers beyond the hardcore hockey fans but trials to make use of on-screen technology to increase the viewer experience have been unsuccessful. Moreover, it is always vital to have new technologies that help exemplify the greatness of the hockey sport and the players' greatness (CNBC, 2020). This will be a big impact on hockey fans due to the strain in following the puck and players on a television screen. The N.H.L. needs to get the tech right to improve fans' viewing experience. Whenever the hockey players are skating without a single sound apart from the player's skates on ice, it will be extremely tough for the players. The absence of spectators will also affect the hockey atmosphere inside the arenas that will host the games and harm players' performance. From a hockey perspective, the most challenging thing is playing without a crowd, as their actions can self-motivate a player.

Additionally, playing hockey without fans is less about fans being present and what players are used to. Research has shown that doing practice under the same conditions you play is crucial (Wyshynski, 2020). However, Canadian hockey's return under this pandemic is certainly about a change in conditioning hockey players that have all along been playing with fans present. It will be hard for the players to adapt. Similarly, realizing that it is not just about a player's skills and what takes place in the rink but also about outside matters. It is evident that players generate their momentum from the crowd of fans, but the Canadian N.H.L. will have to adjust to having no fans. The empty environment in the arenas for the pandemic games has generated debates recently. Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, who expressed frustration that it "didn't feel like playoff hockey out there" during games in the Toronto bubble (Wyshynski, 2020). When the players play at the rink with fans cheering for you, there is the build-up motivation, but in N.H.L., there will be nothing like that. Therefore, it just feels dull at all times. Some hockey players even say that it may be even five minutes, but it is just like coast-to-coast hockey, and there seems no atmosphere. It just will feel like an exhibition game. 

Opinions About Hockey Return

Polls suggest that while Canadians want to get back to their normal lives to play organized sports when distancing restrictions are lifted, it may take a lot of time to feel comfortable about it. Still, most Canadians believe that it is vital for Canadians to play organized sports when the restrictions are lifted because of the impact they have on mental and physical health. Again, some Canadian hockey players have written to the Canadian government asking that Canadian professional players be exempted from mandatory quarantine and be placed on the COVID-19 essential players' list. In February, the federal government came up with measures that called for most air passengers to have a COVID-19 test after landing in Canada and then stay up to three days of their fourteen days’ quarantine period in a selected hotel to wait for the tests. The hotel could cost close to $2,000 (Morris, 2021). However, some Canadian hockey players felt that they came from overseas to provide for their families as they are not on vacation. They are making a living for their families. The signed petition says that Canadians who play hockey overseas are there for their livelihoods, and putting the players into the same categories as other travelers/vacationers would be unfair. However, the Public Health Agency of Canada acknowledged that it is aware of the hockey players' petition but said that the border measures are in place to prevent new COVID-19 cases. 

Just as the Canadian National Hockey League has returned, the Ontario Hockey League is also anticipated to begin its seasons. However, the league itself has not been talking about the conditions of the seventeen Canadian teams participating in the ice. Consequently, Ontario's Minister of Sports has clarified that the government's prohibit on combat and contact sports will not be eased to make room for the Ontario Hockey League (The New York Times, 2021). There are no physical contacts permitted, regardless of the sport involved, and any plans that the government accepts will have to incorporate amended rules that does away with body checking and fighting. However, J. P. Barry, a Canadian N.H.L. player sights that it will be hard to understand how those measures will work as body checking is an important aspect of hockey (The New York Times, 2021). Moreover, the Ontario minister of sports continued to say that the O.H.L. will be forced to alter the game as the chief medical officer of health will not sign off the play's return. This is because the medical professions' advice is what will make get everyone through the other side of the pandemic. While information concerning how O.H.L. will re-structure its rules has not yet emerged, some still fascinate what effects a season with no body checking will have on player development, training, and the procedure of assessing talents. This will hit hard on the Canadian national hockey team, which has returned to the sport and is a member of the O.H.L. 

Besides the many negatives that come with the return of Canadian hockey, players in the Northern Division are thankful for the sport's return. For the Canadian Northern Division players, it has been easier for them with the rules and the restrictions that the Canadian government has put to stay healthy, as Markstrom says (Sportsnet, 2020). However, the same is not true with the southern border, where the pandemic has hit hard, and the government-mandated public health measures are laxer. Players and coaches in Canada, especially the Northern Division, are more thankful as the government has allowed them to continue sporting but are also aware that it is not the time to put their guards down. Notably, players and coaches acknowledge that they still have to be wary and take the necessary provisions seriously. Edmonton Oilers says that the Northern Division has been good with following pandemic measures, and they hope that they will continue doing so.

Also, 26 games in the Canadian south border have been postponed since the period that opened in January, affecting 16 of the league's 24 U.S. based teams (Sportsnet, 2020). Moreover, several hockey players are considered "unavailable" on the league's protocol list. There many N.H.L. players who have appeared on the COVD-19 list at the beginning of the season, but only a few had confirmed positive, including Sabres head coach. Fortunately, the Canadian Northern Division has managed to stay diligent. The Canadian hockey teams have to be more responsible even though the Canadian government has done a good job avoiding re-introducing new cases. The Canadian hockey players have got many friends both inside the league and outside the U.S. As a hockey player, one must try as much as possible not to put oneself at risk (Sportsnet, 2020). The Canadian government has done well in limiting the pandemic and eliminating exposures. Apart from going to the rink and returning home, there is no other place a player can go. Hence, Canadian hockey players have good chances of keeping on playing. 

Moreover, some hockey players feel more safe playing in the Northern Division than in other parts of Canada. Particularly, Oilers forward Kyle Turris said that his mind is always at peace when playing in the Northern Division (Sportsnet, 2020). The players still have concerns about the pandemic, and it is a factor the players consider and reflect on most of the time, especially if a player has a family. Canadian hockey players are pretty lucky as other players in the U.S. are at high risks of being exposed to the virus. However, this does not imply that Canada is at zero risks, as everyone has to be cautious, and that is why the Canadian N.H.L. is constantly revising its rules. The glasses at the back of the benches have been done away with for greater air circulation; players and coaches are not permitted in the arenas until 45minutes before puck drop unless a player or coach is receiving treatment for an injury (Sportsnet, 2020). Besides, all team meetings are done virtually. For physical fitness, the players, as Nugent-Hopkins said, have to roll with punches as it is not a normal era. Everything is not right now as the hockey players have to face few sacrifices. Canadian players say that they are expecting more measures from the N.H.L. in the following days as things will tighten and protocols are doomed to change. It has become hard for players to ramp back up after an enlarged time off. Vancouver Canucks defenceman says that “it is a bummer” as “you are playing and you are in that routine and all of a sudden, you are out, you are done. It doesn’t matter if you had (the virus) or not. It is just a lot of uncertainty” (Sportsnet, 2020). The pandemic has been there, but the Northern Division has been able to stay diligent. 

Unfortunately, the return of Canadian hockey has seen some Canadian N.H.L. exploring how to host fans. Notably, at least five of Canada's N.H.L. have petitioned their provisional government to have fans return to their buildings before the present season comes to an end. Still, some disease experts feel that it is good to wait until the fall. Evidently, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, and Winnipeg Jets all have pointed that they have explored the possibility of returning some fans in the stands (Morris, 2021). The Canadian N.H.L. has played in empty buildings since the pandemic came due to the virus's high risks. The persons have had preliminary conversations with local bodies about their plans to have some fans at Rogers Arena; however, nothing is imminent. Edmonton served as one of the N.H.L.'S two playoff hub cities and noted that the Rogers Place was empty when it hosted the Stanely Cup final and the IIHF World Junior Championships. He says, "We believe we can host fans in Rogers Place and do it as safely as any venue in the world, based on our track record and expertise," Tim Shipton, senior vice-president of communications and government relations with the Oilers Entertainment Group, said in an email. "We will only move forward with the plan, in conjunction with Alberta Health, as they ultimately need to sign off on the plan" (Morris, 2021). Canucks says that “any plans to welcome fans back this year will be with the approval and guidance of public health officials. We expect discussions to continue in the near future" (Morris, 2021). However, there case growths in every Canadian city, and therefore it becomes hard to put a bunch of people in a single place. Some individuals feel that it would be better to wait longer to have fans back till people are vaccinated. 

Closing Views About Canadian Hockey Return

As a country, Canada has far managed to control the pandemic than other countries, which justifies the return of the N.H.L. But even as Canadians embrace the return, they cannot do so in normal ways, as arenas are closed to fans, and the country's measures limit gathering at social places such as bars. Some even see the accommodations made on the N.H.L. to be in direct contrast with the national precautions that have helped the country reduce the pandemic's impact. Still, amid global uncertainty, Canadian N.H.L.'s return offers some comfort to fans. With everything that has happened during the lockdown, every person is looking for positivity in normalcy return. A poll from Agnus Reid Institute found that more than 70% of Canadian hockey fans are more than excited for summer hockey, as most of them expressed enthusiasm for the game's return (Pell & Coletta, 2020). The fans noted that it is an interesting thing to reflect on as they can return the country to where it was previously. However, it is not hard for Canadians to reflect on what is happening on the southern border. Still, it is good to think how proud they are as Canadians to see that they have somehow managed the pandemic and have achieved the return of hockey sports. 

Still, some exemptions were made for the Canadian N.H.L. teams. Notably, the N.H.L. secured several exemptions for teams coming into the two hub cities (Pell & Coletta, 2020). The teams were exempted from a mandatory quarantine of 14-days for all those entering Canada and from measures of non-essential travel at the U.S. Canada border. Moreover, family visits are permitted during conference finals and the Stanley Cup finals in Edmonton. Similarly, the experiences of watching the games amid the pandemic will change from place to place. In most parts of Canada, bars and restaurants are open, and in others, fans are present. Players and coaches also have access to B.M.O. Field, where they can watch the N.H.L. games on the fields' large video screen while also can engage in other outdoor activities (Pell & Coletta, 2020). But, the Canadian return to hockey was a result of consultations with Hockey Canada, the Ontario Hockey Federation, and directions from the Government of Ontario and the Public Health. At the pandemic, the Canadian government is keen to ensure that all the return to play protocols put the safety of the participants at the front.

It is worth noting that Hockey Canada has not returned in all parts of the country as there are still some parts that are still struggling with the pandemic. As with flattening the curve, the impact of the pandemic changes from place to place. Therefore, permitting hockey team members the chance to decide when to return fully will enable them work closely with the public health authorities to determine when it is safest to return to the games while also executing specific safety precautions and rules within leagues and associations. The Canadian NHL is unique in its plans to resume games, and with its 24-team setup to be based in two hub cities while the 12 participating Eastern Conference teams will play in Toronto, and the 12 participating Western Conference teams will compete in Edmonton, where the conference finals and Stanley Cup finals will also be based (Pell, 2020). On a positive note to the return is that one positive test cannot turn down the games but a considerable outbreak may lead things to change. Those who will take part in NHL will go through a number of safety precautions when they reach their respective city hub, as the league will carry out tests on every individual deemed “club personnel” on a daily basis. Similarly, players and coaches will undergo daily temperature checks as well as symptom screening, and everyone who will come into contact with the players or coaches will also be tested such as hotel workers.

Moreover, Hockey Canada perceives that the game will not be as usual, as the return will take place at different speeds and at different periods across the nation. Hockey Canada assures that it will work on its multi-faceted return-to-hockey-plan which will incorporate all health as well as safety regulations, communication and seasonal structure. As with a lot of fans across the country, the Hockey Canada looks forward to fully returning to the game when it is all safe to do so, as it supports its members as they work together getting back to the ice.

References

CNBC (2020). "N.H.L. hockey is back, and its TV-only game is sport's biggest Covid challenge.” https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/01/nhl-return-why-no-fans-in-attendance-is-a-big-challenge.html

ESPN (2020). "Canada to allow N.H.L. to play during pandemic." https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/29334770/canada-allow-nhl-playing-pandemic

Morris J. (2021). “Hockey players returning from leagues overseas want exemption from Canada's quarantine rules.” https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canadian-hockey-players-returning-from-overseas-want-exemption-to-quarantine-rules-1.5945885

Morris J. (2021). "Canadian N.H.L. teams exploring hosting fans, but no plans as of yet." https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-when-will-fans-return-canada-1.5966795

Pauls K. (2021). “Hockey players worry season lost to pandemic spells end of their U.S. scholarship dreams.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/hockey-players-lost-season-dreams-1.5871406

Pell S. & Coletta A. (2020). “In Canada, hockey’s return is a partial sign of normalcy during precarious times.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/31/canada-hockeys-return-is-partial-sign-normalcy-during-precarious-times/

Pell S. (2020). “The NHL moves north for its restart, shifting to Canada as U.S. struggles with pandemic.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/11/nhl-moves-north-its-restart-shifting-canada-us-struggles-with-pandemic/

The New York Times (2021). “Canada’s Game Struggles to Return. And to Still Look Like Hockey.” https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/28/sports/hockey/minor-junior-hockey-canada-coronavirus.html

Regan J. J. (2020). "Vegas owner says without N.H.L. fans in '21 'a lot of teams can't make it." https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/vegas-owner-says-without-nhl-fans-21-lot-teams-cant-make-it

Sportsnet (2020). "As N.H.L. deals with COVID-19, players in Canada thankful for North Division." https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-benching-mete-loss-jets-magnifies-need-defence/

Wyshynski G. (2020). "2020 N.H.L. playoffs in a vacuum: How players are coping with empty arena games." https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/29691542/2020-nhl-playoffs-vacuum-how-players-coping-empty-arena-games