Training Camps to open on July 10th for NHL’s 24 qualifying playoff teams
We now know when we can expect Hockey players back on the ice. Earlier today, the NHL and the NHLPA announced that training camps for the 24 teams participating in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers will open on July 10th. The length of training camps and when actual play will resume has still not yet been determined.
This development means that the third phase of the NHL’s return-to-play plan will soon commence if allowed by medical and safety officials. The second phase of the NHL’s plan, which included small group workouts at team facilities, began on Monday. During this current phase, players are allowed to participate in small group workouts of no more than six people at a time.
The NHL announced a return-to-play plan that featured 24 teams competing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs back on May 26th. The Stanley Cup Playoffs will first begin with 16 teams competing in eight best-of-five series while a round-robin style tournament is held between the top four teams from both conferences. The 12 teams from the East and 12 teams from the West are expected to play their games at two hub cities that have not yet been identified by the league.