Penguins
Penguins to Return to the Ice on Tuesday
Following yesterday’s release from the NHL that the league would be moving to Phase 2 in its Return to Play Plan, this afternoon, Penguins executive vice president and general manager Jim Ruthermore announced that Penguins players would be returning to the ice at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex for voluntary training on Tuesday, June 9th.
The Penguins will follow the procedures laid out in the NHL’s Return to Play Plan, which states that players can train in groups of six, and must adhere to social distance guidelines both on and off the ice.
“In accordance with the plan, all players and select staff permitted inside the facility will be tested for COVID-19 prior to participation. Pre-participation medical evaluations for players who test negative will be held on Monday, June 8 at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.
The Penguins players and staff will follow the health and safety guidelines set forth by the Phase 2 protocol of the National Hockey League’s Return to Play Plan, as well as recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex has adopted preventive measures to protect against the contraction of COVID-19, as well as proactive steps to ensure rigorous cleaning and sanitation going forward.
Player groups will have specific arrival and departure times, as well as designated non-contact points of entry/exit to the building. The player lounge and other common areas will be prohibited at this time.”
Before returning, players will have an educational meeting on health and safety relating to COVID-19.
Coaches will not be permitted on the ice during these training sessions.
The Penguins side of the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex will be closed to fans and autograph seekers. Likewise, there will be no coverage of the return and media members are not allowed on the premises.