Friedman: NHL to require vaccines for players, hockey operations staff

For NHL teams preparing for the upcoming 2021-22 season, getting ready for training camp is going to involve more than just preparing gear and getting in game shape. According to a new report, part of getting ready for the season is also going to include COVID-19 vaccinations.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported last week that a memo has been sent to all teams detailing new guidance when it comes to vaccines and the pandemic.

Friedman says that the memo includes guidance that says “any person whose job, role, position, or access entails ore titles them to have personal interactions with Club Hockey Operations personnel (including players) are required to be fully vaccinated.”

Friedman went on to say that there are some limited exceptions, for positions like valet parking attendants.

The NHL and the Players Association have not yet established protocols for players for the upcoming season, so this may be something that could become contested if there is pushback about the vaccinations being mandatory for players.

The Penguins’ schedule for the upcoming season was announced last month. Dates for training camp have not yet been released yet.