The Pittsburgh Penguins announced this afternoon that the players can voluntarily report, starting next week, for small-group training sessions. Here is the full media statement made by the Penguins:
Penguins players will return to the ice for voluntary small-group training beginning Tuesday, June 9 at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.
For the health and safety of all involved, these sessions will not be open to the public or media.
In accordance with the plan, all players and select staff permitted inside the facility will be tested for COVID-19 prior to participation. Pre-participation medical evaluations for players who test negative will be held on Monday, June 8 at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.
The Penguins players and staff will follow the health and safety guidelines set forth by the Phase 2 protocol of the National Hockey League’s Return to Play Plan, as well as recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex has adopted preventive measures to protect against the contraction of COVID-19, as well as proactive steps to ensure rigorous cleaning and sanitation going forward.
All individuals expecting to enter the facility will have completed a remote educational meeting prior to arriving at the rink. Club personnel will be divided into two groups, “Player Access” and “No Player Access.” Health and safety is the top priority!
Similar to voluntary skates prior to training camps in past years, coaches will not be permitted on the ice for these sessions.
The Penguins’ procedures for players returning to the ice include recommendations from the NHL, as well as additional safety measures conducive to the team facility. The players will train in groups of six, and must remain socially distant during both on and off-ice sessions. Player groups will have specific arrival and departure times, as well as designated non-contact points of entry/exit to the building. The player lounge and other common areas will be prohibited at this time.
In order to maintain the safest environment possible, the Penguins’ side of the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex will not be opened to the public. Fans may not congregate on the property and autographs will not be permitted. Media is not permitted inside or on the property outside the facility, per the NHL.
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