The Golden Knights have canceled practice Wednesday after entering COVID-19 protocol following Tuesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.
The decision comes after the Golden Knights canceled their media availability following their 5-4 victory against Anaheim at T-Mobile Arena. There have been no confirmations of positive tests or players entering protocol at this time.
“Due to COVID-19 protocols, tonight’s Vegas Golden Knights postgame media availability is canceled,” the team said in a statement after the game. “We will provide additional updates when appropriate.”
The Ducks canceled their Zoom availability once forward Troy Terry completed his eight-minute session. Per a team spokesperson, the Ducks were “uncomfortable” with moving forward after hearing of the Vegas news.
The two teams are set to play Thursday, their fourth meeting of the season. Vegas has won all three matchups, all at T-Mobile Arena. At time of writing, no decision has been made if the game will proceed as planned.
The Golden Knights had just returned to play after having three games postponed and going eight days inbetween games. Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo and three coaches — head coach Pete DeBoer, and assistants Ryan Craig and Ryan McGill — entered COVID protocol following the Knights’ Jan. 26 game against the St. Louis Blues. The next game against St. Louis was postponed, as was a two-game slate against the San Jose Sharks that was to take place in Glendale, Arizona.
Pietrangelo rejoined his teammates for the first time Tuesday at morning skate, but did not play. DeBoer said he planned to have his top defenseman miss one more game before returning to game action.
Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore and forward Tomas Nosek did not play in the third period. Theodore left during the first period due to an injury, but it was unclear why Nosek left. Those absences are pure speculation to this point. The NHL releases a COVID absence-related list every day at 2 p.m. PT, so that’s when an update should be had.
Following the Anaheim rematch Thursday, the Golden Knights were set to play a back-to-back at San Jose on Saturday and home against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. Vegas and Colorado are to play an outdoor game at Lake Tahoe on Feb. 20.