Return To Play Delayed

While everyone eagerly awaits the return of the Vancouver Canucks no one is more eager than the players, coaches and team personnel.

We have patiently waited and glad that no one seriously got affected by this deadly virus and hope we all can return to the “new normal” in the next short while.

I received the following press release from the NHL and the Vancouver Canucks and want to share it with you so please read in full and understand the severity of what the players and staff have been going through.

Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

Enjoy the read.

The National Hockey League announced today that the Vancouver Canucks’ return to game play is being delayed from Friday, April 16. 

The decision to extend the period prior to the team’s resumption of play was made to provide Club staff and Players with additional time for recovery and preparation following its recent COVID outbreak. 

The NHL made the decision with input from the League’s, NHLPA and Club’s medical groups.

Additional changes are being made to the Scotia NHL North Division schedule and it is expected that a revised schedule will be released by tomorrow.

The Canucks’ organization has, and will continue to follow, all recommended guidelines aimed at protecting the health and safety of its Players, staff and community at large as set by the NHL, local, provincial and federal agencies.

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning provided the following statement:

“Our medical and hockey operations staff have collaborated daily with NHL, NHLPA and local health officials on the health and well-being of the team and our players’ readiness to play. 

I would like to thank our players, our upcoming opponents, and everyone involved at the NHL and NHLPA for their input, guidance and understanding through this process. 

Above all else the health and safety of players, staff and families remains the priority.

Before every player resumes training a full medical evaluation is carried out, consistent with return to play NHL COVID Protocols. As of today, certain players have passed evaluation however many are not yet cleared and extra recovery time is required. Our medical staff are confident the recovery process for those players will be aided by an additional couple of days.”