NHL players in Ottawa will reportedly be able to return to the ice as soon as Thursday, as a local, private facility in the city has been granted government approval to re-open this week, according to the Ottawa Sun’s Ken Warren.
Per Warren, Ottawa’s Minto Arena has received word from the Ontario government that the facility can re-open provided no more than five people are on the ice at any time, and as along as a number of other measures related to restricting contact are adhered to.
Minto Arena general manager Scott Lawryk told the Sun that the rink has been booked solid since word got out of their plans to re-open, with professional and junior players residing in the area among those who’ve reached out.
“It has been pretty busy from our standpoint and we’ve had lots of enquiries in the past 24-48 hours,” said Lawryk told Warren. “A lot of skating schools are checking it out, along with the pro and minor pro players.”
Lawryk said all on-ice activity has to adhere to physical distancing rules, meaning the re-opening isn’t necessarily going to provide players the chance to play hockey.
“A lot of people are using it as a coach and four players. You’re not going to have conventional hockey. You’re not going to have any situations, for instance, where you might have puck battles,” he told Warren. “We have three ice surfaces and we’re only using one — the international ice surface — so it’s easier to maintain the distance. Five people on the ice shouldn’t be an issue.”
Warren also outlined the measures Lawryk says his facility is putting in place to maintain social distancing off the ice, which was developed in consultation with the province:
“Skaters are being asked to show up at the Minto Arena ready to go, wearing everything they’ll need on the ice except skates. Once inside the rink, an area — allowing for proper physical distancing — will be set aside for a maximum of five people to lace up skates. Once those skaters take to the ice, the room will be thoroughly disinfected, preparing for the next group. Skaters will leave the ice through a separate exit room.”
It was also noted that no spectators will be allowed in the rink at any time.
The NHL’s 2019-20 campaign has been suspended since March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No official word has yet been given to the league’s 31 teams regarding when they may return to training in team facilities.
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