CALGARY (660 NEWS) — If you have been watching NHL hockey this season, you have surely noticed something has been missing.
Just like when the league resumed last year, there’s still no fans in Canadian rinks as teams cope with COVID-19 protocols in provinces.
However, that could change if efforts from the league are successful.
On Thursday, Health Minister Tyler Shandro said the NHL has been holding meetings with the office of Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw to talk about the prospect of bringing back a limited number of fans, as spectators are allowed in 17 rinks around the United States.
“We have contemplated this,” Shandro said, adding that under the current provincial rules fans would not be permitted until stage four of the economic relaunch plan.
The Edmonton Oilers have also approached the province to ask for fans to be brought back into the rink.
Any allowances would have to involve a special exemption from Dr. Hinshaw under the public health orders, but Shandro would not shut the door to any early possibilities.
“I understand that as well, that the football leagues in Alberta are going to be approaching Dr. Hinshaw as well to see how best they can be able to work within the public health measures and the concerns that Dr. Hinshaw’s office has,” he said. “I encourage those folks to continue to have those conversations with her office.”
During her daily COVID-19 update on Thursday, Dr. Hinshaw said they are continuing to hold conversations with various stakeholders and they are evaluating any possible timelines.
“Decisions haven’t been made because we have to look at all those different factors, but those of course are proposals that are part of the larger group of proposals that we’re looking at,” she said. “As more vaccines come on board — and looking forward and planning forward — we need to be ready for being able to do activities safely that we haven’t been able to do for a very long time.”
Alberta has been looked at as a good candidate for allowing some fans, after the successful Stanley Cup playoffs in Edmonton. But previous attempts in Canada have seemed to miss the net.
“The Ottawa Senators, for example, went to the provincial government in Ontario with a plan back in December. Well, that got nowhere and I don’t think it’s progressed since,” Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston said. “There is a feeling in the other Canadian markets, when it happens in Canada, Edmonton will be first.”
Johnston said they are approaching a tipping point with over half of all teams allowing some fans, but the political situation and the approaches towards handling the pandemic in the United States widely varies.
Nevertheless, he said there is “hope” when it comes to this consideration in Alberta.
A statement from the CFL emailed to 660 NEWS said there are plans being developed as well.
“In addition to developing return to play protocols with the CFLPA to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and officials, we are also working with our teams on plans to ensure our stadiums can safely welcome fans back to our games,” the statement read. “All of these protocols and plans are, of course, subject to the approval of public health officials and the easing of restrictions. We plan to be back in 2021 and we look forward to the day fans can join us for CFL football.”
660 NEWS has also reached out to the NHL for comment.