Singing from same song sheet on virus

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This article was published 12/03/2020 (2030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The lights are out, dressing rooms locked and beer lines empty at 31 NHL arenas after Thursday’s league-wide shutdown due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the “pause” Thursday after the league’s board of governors were overwhelmingly in favour of suspending play immediately, despite the fact 189 regular-season games still remain on the 2019-20 slate.

And there’s genuine concern the NHL’s post-season might have to be scrapped entirely, extending the Stanley Cup reign of the St. Louis Blues by another year.

Here’s some of the chatter in the hockey world the last 36 to 48 hours:

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, in a statement:

“Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup. Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay healthy.”

Winnipeg Jets co-owner/chairman Mark Chipman on Thursday to reporters in Winnipeg, on the importance of awarding a Stanley Cup this season:

“I don’t know the answer to that. I think there was only one other time it wasn’t awarded, if I’m not mistaken it was (because of) the Spanish flu (in 1918-19). And perhaps the year there was no play at all (the 2004-05 lockout season). I think it’s important, but I think it would absolutely yield to the greater issues that we are all facing here.”

Jets captain Blake Wheeler to reporters following Wednesday night’s game:

“I think, first and foremost, you want to do what’s in the best interest of everyone involved. Obviously yeah we’re playing good hockey right now and we’re pushing for a playoff spot, fighting for our lives. But it’s not as important as everything else.”

Jets head coach Paul Maurice to reporters following Wednesday night’s game:

“I want undistracted hockey with fans in the building. That’s what I like. I might not be able to get all of that, but we all want a healthy, positive outcome for everybody. Short of that, we want everyone safe. But you’d like to go into games feeling that hockey is the most important thing for you day that day. If it becomes short of that, we’ll do what we’re told.”

Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, to reporters following Wednesday night’s game:

“Obviously we heard. It’s still a little fresh. We haven’t had any time to digest it or anything like that. Obviously it’s unfortunate but public health and safety is a priority and is more important than any sporting event right now.”

Prominent NHL player agent, to the Free Press on Thursday:

“I thought it was a possibility for sure. Once you start hearing about empty stadiums and seeing leagues cancelled in Europe, then you start to look at what can happen here. It would be foolish to think it wouldn’t happen here. So, even though it’s shocking, after the last few days you realize it could actually happen here. We’re setting precedent now. I think it’s important that the league and union show some solidarity and stand together.”

Washington Capitals forward and Winnipegger Brendan Leipsic, to the Free Press on Thursday:

“I guess I’m not going to the rink (Friday). It’s going to take a couple of days to get used to it. It will be weird not setting an alarm clock, I guess. We’ll have to just take it day by day, because no one really knows what’s going to happen. I don’t think we’re allowed to go to the rink to work out, but it’s still a matter of taking care of your body and eating healthy.”

Dallas Stars president Brad Alberts in an interview with ESPN Thursday:

“I think what everyone is hoping for is that we take a short pause over the next several weeks and, in a month or so, we can kind of get the season back re-energized.”

Anaheim Ducks head coach Dallas Eakins, to reporters Wednesday:

“I have great trust in our leadership. I have great trust in our league and in our health professionals and whatever they’re going to direct us to do, then we’ll do it. It’s very simple. I’m just a big believer right now in everything that’s going on and it’s everything to do with not so much the team but our community. Obviously there’s a breakout of the virus and I think we need a massive breakout of kindness. I think we need a massive breakout of alertness. I think we need a massive breakout of awareness of what we need to do and to take these things very, very seriously.”

Flyers forward Jakub Voracek to Philadelphia reporters Thursday:

“It’s something I can’t control, and if it’s something I can’t control, I can’t really get upset about it. It is what it is. I’ll just let other people (in the NHL) do their job because I don’t really know anything about it.”

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno on Twitter Thursday:

“While I’m disappointed we’re not playing right now, nothing is more important than everyone’s health and safety. The league did the right thing today. Thanks to the 5th Line for your unbelievable support. We have the best fans in the world and we’ll get through this together.”

Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron, in a statement released Thursday by his club:

“It’s become apparent that the situation is much larger than sports. In a time like this, it is important we continue to listen to experts whose job it is to maintain the safety and well-being of the population until the issue stabilizes.”

Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan in a statement released by the club Thursday:

“The health and safety of our fans, players, staff and media always remains at the forefront of our decision-making as a hockey club and League, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are in full support of the decision reached today by the NHL, its member clubs and players. Like you, we have many questions about what’s to come in the future.”

— compiled by Mike McIntyre and Jason Bell