New York (AFP)
Twenty-six NHL players have tested positive for Covid-19 since the teams began small group training at their training centers three weeks ago, the North American Hockey League announced on Monday.
After more than 1,450 tests since the return to the training centers, 15 players were tested positive and placed in solitary confinement.
The NHL is also "aware that eleven additional players tested positive for Covid-19 outside protocol" from phase 2 back on the ice. No identity has been disclosed.
Training camps will reopen fully on July 10 for the 24 NHL teams involved in the expanded play-off phase, which ended at the end of the season, with matches behind closed doors.
The NHL plans to resume the season in two protected "bubbles", one for 12 teams from the Eastern conference, the other for 12 teams from the Western conference. The date has not yet been set.
Las Vegas, Edmonton, Toronto, Los Angeles and Chicago are in the running to serve as host cities.
© 2020 AFP