Unfortunately, the news wasn’t as good for the Kelowna Rockets.
The WHL announced earlier this week that one player from the B.C. Division team had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and as a result had immediately isolated from the cohort, as did another member of the Rockets who was in close contact with the player.
Because the case was caught before play began in the B.C. Division, no games will be delayed and the Rockets will be able to start their season as scheduled in the Kelwona hub on Mar. 26.
The positive test was the first to occur in the WHL, which is now in its sixth week of return to play. A total of 1,143 tests were administered throughout the league from Mar. 13 through Mar. 19, bringing the total to 3,092 tests since the Feb. 12 season opener.
In the East Division, a total of 216 tests were administered for the Brandon Wheat Kings, Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince Albert Raiders, Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Swift Current Broncos, and Winnipeg ICE over the past week. Tests were administered twice to all players and staff from each team.
COVID-19 testing is provided by DynaLIFE, a private-testing company that provided similar services to the NHL during their bubble last season, in order to eliminate any strain on the public health system.
The WHL will continue to provide regular updates on COVID-19 testing results but will not be providing information on the identity of any individuals.
