Pittsburgh Penguins' Mike Matheson (5) tries to control the puck as Philadelphia Flyers' Travis Konecny (11) and Connor Bunnaman (82) pursue during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in Pittsburgh.
Keith Srakocic / AP Photo)
Keith Srakocic / AP Photo)
Pittsburgh Penguins' Mike Matheson (5) tries to control the puck as Philadelphia Flyers' Travis Konecny (11) and Connor Bunnaman (82) pursue during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in Pittsburgh.
(Tampa, Fla.) — NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league has only four unvaccinated players as it opens up the 2021-22 season.
Bettman was in attendance for the regular-season opener between the back to back Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.
“Everybody banding together to do the right thing,” Bettman said. “Maybe that’s why hockey is the ultimate team sport.”
Bettman said NHL officials and all the personnel that come into contact with the players are vaccinated.
“It’s something we take seriously,” Bettman said. “Health and safety has been and will continue to be paramount.”
There are still COVID-19 cases involving players that are fully vaccinated.
The expansion Seattle Kraken will be missing a number of players due to Covid-19 protocols for their first game Tuesday night at Las Vegas.
The Lightning have expressed a continuing interest in hosting an outdoor game in Tampa, Florida but the weather conditions in the state remain a major obstacle.
“Do I have severe weather concerns, the answer is yes,” Bettman said. “Weather, particularly in a warm climate can be a challenge, and the safety of the players is paramount. If it were doable, it would be great. We’re just not sure it’s doable because of the weather.”
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
