I admit that I haven’t paying the closest of attention to what the health authorities are currently recommending for the city of Toronto – I’ve pretty much just taken “wear a mask” and “stay at least a hockey stick away from people at all times” and declared them the immutable central tenants of my entire existence – so I may have missed the announcement of an exception to social distancing based on proximity to a buoyant object.
Guess we now have some insight into the makeup of one of the stage one practice groups. Or, maybe just a group that’s going to receive a lecture from the medical staff, could go either way really.
ICYMI
Top 25 Under 25: Toronto’s own 4th-round pick debuts at 23
We continue counting up our top 25 under 25 with another pick!
From the Branches
Weighing pros, cons for each potential Canadian NHL hub city
Unsurprisingly, following Trudeau’s statement that Canada is open to hosting an NHL hub city, there’s even more talk about whether or not it’ll be Toronto (it’ll be Toronto) or if one of the eastern cities will make the cut (they won’t, it’ll be Toronto).
How mindfulness training quietly gives elite athletes an edge
Zach Hyman weighs in alongside other athletes on the benefits of practices such as meditation.
NHL Seattle arena reopening, team name reveal delayed
Big news for fans of mystery and endless circular arguments over names: NHL Seattle will be remaining NHL Seattle for a bit longer.
No full shields for players; NHL talking off-ice protection
Whatever other safety measures the NHL might be taking for players in the middle of a pandemic, full face shields on the ice will not be a part of them.
Expect @BauerHockey to announce a new line of protection to help in the safe return of hockey. Specialized facial protection for players, coaches, on-ice officials, parents and fans will be the focus of today’s launch. Off-ice iniatives will also be unveiled.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 17, 2020
Sabres Make Additional Front Office Cuts
In case you missed the headlines earlier this week, the Buffalo Sabres are apparently taking cleaning house very, very seriously and, as reported by Elliotte Friedman on the 31 Thoughts podcast, they’re not done yet.
Elliotte Friedman on the 31 Thoughts podcast says the Buffalo Sabres ownership “feels the hockey people have let them down, and they are going to go outside of typical hockey people.” #Sabres50
— NHL News (@puck_report2) June 17, 2020
The WHL has announced a return-to-play protocol.
Two key points:
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) June 17, 2020
1. October 2 targeted start date, akin to QMJHL saying October 1 (believe we'll hear OHL say something similar).
2. New joint streaming package between all 3 CHL leagues. NeuLion is no longer the main streaming partner for major junior. https://t.co/utTH6ytlhT
And finally, I leave you with this adventure of a headline:
😳 Former NHL star Pavel Datsyuk is reportedly among those 'holed up at a Russian monastery with priest who claims Covid is cover-up to microchip population'https://t.co/sJkdlCYIqn
— RT Sport (@RTSportNews) June 17, 2020
