We’re creeping ever-closer to the intended start of training camps, and as Katya covered last night, there’s something approximating real news about the Phase 3 and 4 agreement. Along with details about who can go where, when, and why, we learned some other stuff, too:
Every NHL team is required to bring at least one content creator/social media employee with them inside the bubble during Phase 4.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2020
Perhaps I’m biased, because I am of the disposition where running a NHL team’s social media already sounds like hell on earth, but is this really necessary? (I am aware that none of this is, actually, necessary, and yet it’s all happening anyway.) Would it be that impossible to run social media entirely remotely, or as Brigstew suggested in Slack, have one or two people per hub who can do anything that specifically needs doing on site—such as interviews—and then send that content to individual team staff off-site? Must we open up the torture further?
NHL teams will have no dress code in effect during Phase 4.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2020
Finally, @ShawnMcKenzieSN gets his wish and he won't be able to see what threads players choose when not required to wear a suit to games.
I hope that you all understand how personally devastated I am by this news. I was really looking forward to counting precisely how many members of the Toronto Maple Leafs own ugly-ass Gucci slide sandals.
ICYMI
Back to Excited Episode 109: Lotteries, Hubs, and Awards - Pension Plan Puppets
We touch on it all in a busy podcast
Report: NHL’s Bill Daly says Phase 2 positive tests ‘consistent with what we expected’ - Pension Plan Puppets
This after a reported five positive tests from St. Louis Blues players and staff.
Maple Leafs Top 25 Under 25 Community Vote and Recap: Week 3 - Pension Plan Puppets
A goalie marks the largest divergence we have in the community vs. expert voting.
NHL RTP Phase 3 and 4 details leaked - CBA negotiations ongoing - Pension Plan Puppets
In advance of the actual 40-page document, we have a few messages from the other side with some details.
Stuff We Didn’t Write
Thoughts on the proposed NHL CBA changes
Reviewing some of the major changes in the new NHL CBA as negotiations continue.
Details emerge on expected new NHL agreement - TSN.ca
After a marathon week of bargaining, the NHL and NHL Players’ Association are closing in on a tentative memorandum of understanding on an all-encompassing new six-year Collective Bargaining Agreement as well as all of the necessary Return to Play components to drop the puck on a 24-team play-in.
And Now, A Cocktail Recipe
It’s summer, and it’s hot, and social distancing is tedious, so I strongly recommend hauling out an ice pop mold and making yourself a spiked popsicle. The strawberry-Aperol pops I made on Friday were a key ingredient in me surviving this weekend’s fireworks.
UPDATE:
NHL statement on COVID-19 testing results: pic.twitter.com/NDWmOwnvnf
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) July 6, 2020
