Blackhawks; Golden Knights among NHL teams that are fully vaccinated
Anthony Scultore
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The Chicago Blackhawks opened the start of training camp by announcing that 100 percent of their players have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
“It’s pretty challenging if you have players who aren’t vaccinated,” head coach Stan Bowman said. “It’s just a sign of the players’ commitment to try to be safe.”
The NHL has made it known that teams can suspend players who haven’t been vaccinated and dock their pay if they miss games with COVID this coming season. It’s also made public a goal of having 98 percent of its players vaccinated by opening night.
In the 2021 season, Chicago went 24-25-7, finishing sixth in the Central division, nine points out of the playoffs.
The Blackhawks open their preseason slate with a home game against the Detroit Red Wings Sept. 29. They begin the regular season on the road, traveling to the Colorado Avalanche Oct. 13.
Which NHL Teams are 100% Vaccinated
The Vegas Golden Knights are heading into the season as another team that has reached 100% vaccination. “Our team is fully vaccinated. I can share that with you,” GM Kelly McCrimmon told the press.
Larry Brooks reported that although the New York Rangers consider all medical information private, there’s no indication that any player is not vaccinated.
The Buffalo Sabres announced yesterday that they are 100% vaccinated as did the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins. The same can be said for the defending champs, Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Columbus Blue Jackets will be 100% vaccinated after not inviting Zac Rinaldo to camp. Other teams are expected to announce status soon.
Teams that expect to be fully vaccinated by the start of the season are the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, and Toronto Maple Leafs to name a few.
Several teams will not be 100% vaccinated as certain players have declined the vaccine including the Detroit Red Wings Tyler Bertuzzi. The Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders are reportedly on that list.
We will update this list as more info becomes available.
–Field Level Media contributed to this report