On Wednesday evening, the NHL levied a $100,000 fine on the Washington Capitals for violations of the league’s COVID safety protocols.
NHL fines Washington Capitals $100,000 for violating COVID Protocols. https://t.co/yuw4d886OL pic.twitter.com/1ZgPbpazwa
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 20, 2021
The press release states the fine stems from “Involved social interactions among team members who were in close contact and who were not wearing face coverings.” No more context is known at the time, but it is very clear the NHL is not playing around with teams and players who violate the protocols.
In addition, on NHL's COVID-related absence list: WASH has a "TBA" next to it. NYI's Josh Bailey added today.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 20, 2021
Meanwhile, the league is already dealing with the Dallas Stars missing the start of the season after 17 positive COVID tests following training camp.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes recently added players to their COVID protocol list and have had to postpone games through at least January 23.
Safe to say that the NHL wants to have this modified season go off with as few complications as possible, especially since league commissioner Gary Bettman said that the league is facing losses in the “Billions” this year.
Hopefully the players and staff will take this as a reminder to remain disciplined in the safety protocols and we can keep the games going.