Golden Knights try to focus on hockey despite fears of coronavirus

Contrary to what some in Canada or elsewhere might believe, the Golden Knights conducted many practices with a handful of fans present. But something about Wednesday morning's training in a strangely calm City National Arena seemed different. Goalkeeper Marc-André Fleury noticed this, as did forward Jonathan Marchessault and the other players who spoke to the media on a podium located in the team’s video room rather than in front their lockers. "Yeah, it seemed empty," said coach Pete DeBoer. "I haven't seen the flag waving. It was strange. In the other places I've been to, I'm not used to having fans in the building, but it's amazing how quickly you get used to this crowd here at training. It's pretty cool, so I missed it this morning. " The Knights traveled to St. Paul, Minnesota, doing their best to focus on hockey as the coronavirus epidemic dominates conversations in the NHL and beyond. Thursday's game against the Wild is slated to take place with fans in the Xcel Energy Center building, but that's not the case elsewhere. The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that their remaining home games will be played without fans to comply with the governor's order prohibiting mass gatherings in Ohio. The San Jose Sharks made a similar decision to close the SAP Center to the public for its three home games this month. In addition, the NBA suspended its season indefinitely on Wednesday. And the Seattle Mariners will move their season opening series this month to an undetermined location. University athletics, Major League Soccer and other events around the world have also been affected. "It's not great because the sport is great because of the fans," said Marchessault. "It is unfortunate, but it is beyond our control. We must do what is best for the people. " The Knights will not be playing at T-Mobile Arena again until Tuesday, and the team has announced no changes in place for the game, although it continues to monitor response to the game. ; league scale. All game cancellations must come from the league. The City National Arena is not an option for matches, as it does not meet minimum NHL standards and is not equipped for hockey operations or broadcast staff. Ticket holders not wishing to attend one of the Knights' four home games will not receive a refund but are allowed to sell their tickets on the secondary market, according to Team President Kerry Bubolz. "Everyone's talking about it, thinking about it," said Fleury. "I think it's a good part of our sport because we are close to the fans. It’s as if we are all in the same boat as a team. This is what it is. It’s unfortunate, but it’s for everyone’s well-being. " If the Knights followed suit and closed the doors of the T-Mobile arena, except for club staff, NHL officials, the media and essential arena staff, this would have an impact important economic. In addition to lost revenue from tickets, parking and concessions, T-Mobile Arena employees could be affected in the form of lost wages. There are also ramifications across the league for playing fanless games, as revenues may not reach expectations. If this happens, the escrow withheld from player salaries would be used to make up the difference and would likely lower the salary cap for next season. "There are a lot of smarter people than me on all of these topics who are looking into this, and whatever they tell us to do, we're going to support 1000%," said DeBoer. The idea of playing in an empty arena certainly did not attract any of the four players who spoke on Wednesday. Defender Nate Schmidt said he played an American Hockey League game on a neutral site and called it "different". DeBoer cautiously compared the anxiety of being away from his family during the epidemic to hurricane warnings while he was training in Florida. "It is not the same situation, but there is certainly some apprehension on the part of everyone about what is going to happen and what the ramifications are," DeBoer said. "It’s human nature." Players have already started to limit their contact with fans based on a recommendation from the league. Like most teams, the Knights fly on a charter plane and do not pass through airports with the general population, which limits their exposure. "We support what has been recommended and everything else, but it's hard not to see the kids around. It's always fun to see them buzzing in training," said Schmidt. "C & Is a little different. But you have to take all the necessary precautions right now, and that’s just the reality of the world we live in right now. " Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. To follow @DavidSchoenLVRJ on Twitter. picture credit

ExBulletin

Golden Knights try to focus on hockey despite fears of coronavirus

Sports

Golden Knights try to focus on hockey despite fears of coronavirus

Related

Leave a Reply

Recent Posts

Add ExBulletin to your Home screen!