By Canadian Press

Seven Flames players, three coaches and seven support staff enter COVID-19 protocol

Dec 15, 2021 | 9:31 AM

CALGARY — Seven players, three coaches and seven support staff with the Calgary Flames were the latest members of the organization to be added to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list.

The team, which has already had three games postponed due to the outbreak, said head coach Darryl Sutter, associate coach Kirk Muller and assistant coach Ryan Huska were on the list.

In a Twitter post, the Flames also said that Rasmus Andersson, Byron Froese, Johnny Gaudreau, Erik Gudbranson, Trevor Lewis, Jacob Markstrom and Tyler Pitlick were the latest players to be added. Affected support staffers weren’t identified.

The additions brought the number of Calgary players in protocol to 16.

Noah Hanifin, Milan Lucic and Sean Monahan were added to the list on Tuesday. Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, Brad Richardson, Adam Ruzicka, Chris Tanev, Nikita Zadorov and a member of the training staff were added Monday.

final flight

Massive Philippine Mars waterbomber preparing for final Island departure

2h ago

Skatepark refresh

Town of Ladysmith seeks public insight in reforming skateboard park

17h ago

stabbing

UPDATE: Two people stab City of Nanaimo employee with needles at Maffeo Sutton Park

19h ago

Also Wednesday, Boston Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron was added to the league’s protocol list, a day after teammate Brad Marchand was added.

Over 130 players have been on the protocol list this season, including over two dozen in the last two days.

Several NBA teams have had to use short-handed lineups of late with several players – including Canada’s RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks, and Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa – in health and safety protocols. 

The Brooklyn Nets had seven players in protocol in Tuesday’s 131-129 overtime win over the visiting Raptors.

In the Ontario Hockey League, the Erie Otters suspended team activities Wednesday after 13 players tested positive for COVID-19. Affected players were currently asymptomatic or exhibiting mild symptoms, the league said in a release.

Two Erie games – Friday’s matchup in Guelph and Saturday’s home game against Kitchener – were postponed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 15, 2021. 

The Canadian Press