Alex Ovechkin.Photo: Justin K. Aller/NHLI via Getty
The Washington Capitals were fined $100,000 for violating the NHL’sCOVID-19 protocols.
In astatementposted Wednesday, the NHL said that the team was facing the fine due to violating protocol that involved “social interactions among team members who were in close contact and who were not wearing face coverings.”
In addition to the $100,000 fine, several players on the team were added to the “protocol absences list” and will likely miss the next few games: winger and captain Alex Ovechkin, center Evgeny Kuznetsov, defenseman Dmitry Orlov and goalie Ilya Samsonov, according toCBS Sports.
On Thursday, coach Peter Laviolette said the earliest they could return is Jan. 30,USA Todayreported.
The team laterreleased a statementto Twitter, expressing disappointment.
According toESPN, prior to the start of the season earlier this month, teams were told that failure to adhere to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols would result in penalties.
“Established violations of, and/or lack of compliance with, the COVID-19 protocol will result in significant club and individual sanctions, including potential forfeiture of games, fines and reimbursements of expenses, loss of draft choices, and/or ineligibility for participation in training activities,” the league said in its official COVID-19 protocols handbook, the outlet reported.
Washington Capitals.Justin K. Aller/NHLI via Getty
This is the first instance of Capitals players appearing on the NHL’s COVID-19 list, which can include those who test positive, have a potential exposure or face quarantine requirements.
The 2021 NHL season kicked off on Jan. 13 and has been reduced to 56 games due to the pandemic. The playoffs are tentatively scheduled to run from May until July under a 16-team format with the top four teams from each division.
Washington is currently 2-0-2 in the 2021 season and is scheduled to play the Buffalo Sabres on Friday.
source: people.com
