NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Blackhawks’ home sell-out streak will likely live on in the 2021-22 season.
According to a memo sent to NHL teams from the league on Thursday, 30 of the 32 arenas will be able to operate at full fan capacity for the 2021-22 season. More information from the league memo from Sportsnet’s Eric Engels:
10 of 32 will require proof of vaccination only, 8 of 32 proof of vaccination or negative COVID test, 14 of 32 won't require any proof, 21 of 32 will make all fans wear masks. 2/2 @Sportsnet
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) September 23, 2021
Only the Bell Centre in Montreal and the Rogers Arena in Vancouver will not be operating at full fan capacities to begin the 2021-22 season. Earlier this month, the United Center released their requirements for fans to attend Bulls and Blackhawks home games this season. Fans 12 and over will be required to provide either proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or a recent COVID-19 negative test for entry, and all fans will be required to wear masks inside the arena.
That makes the Blackhawks one of eight NHL teams to require either vaccine proof or a recent negative test, and one of only 21 teams to require masks for all fans.
Earlier on Thursday, Blackhawks President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Stan Bowman announced that the team was 100% vaccinated, joining a number of other NHL teams that have reached the 100% level. The league is expecting at least a 98% vaccination rate among all NHL players, but that number could be higher and possibly up to 100% by the start of the season with the strict COVID-19 protocols the league has put into place for this season.
