Toronto relaxes COVID-19 rink rules as winter activities move ‘toward normal’
Hockey is finally back at the University of Toronto after resuming play with a two-game series between the Toronto Marlies and Rochester Americans.
The Marlies wrapped up a road trip to Rochester with a 4-2 win over the Americans on Wednesday.
“The road to recovery continues,” said general manager Kyle Dubas. “We took a few hits through the first part of the week and will take another hit in the next few days.”
The Marlies will have a short break following their game in Rochester until Friday morning when they host the Rockford IceHogs at Percival Molson Arena.
Toronto is home for its Friday night game against the Erie Otters as well as Sunday’s home game against the Bakersfield Condors.
“The good news is that our team has done well in the games and has learned from the last couple of days and the week ahead,” said Dubas. “We are hopeful that we can pull together and get to the ice and skate with the same energy and enthusiasm we have seen and played with all week.”
Players are encouraged to wear their safety gear while practising and on the ice. As a precautionary measure, players will be required to wear face coverings that meet the government’s requirements.
Dubas said that the changes made in the game in Toronto were not a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“When the rink was closed, we made a concerted effort to ensure that all players were adequately protected by having the team practice in a bubble,” he said. “We’re confident that we are following best practices.”
The Toronto Marlies have taken a step in the right direction in the short time since resuming play on March 15 when they defeated the Binghamton Senators 2-0. That victory in the first game took the Marlies to 9-8-
