Despite reports the NHL would close dressing rooms to media because of concerns over the coronavirus on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the Pittsburgh Penguins allowed theirs to be open Saturday.
Elliotte Friedman of Rogers Sportsnet, an NHL rights holder, and Frank Seravelli of TSN, president of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, tweeted Saturday the league could close dressing rooms to reporters and that media availability would be held in formal news conference areas.
Reporters, however, were permitted to enter the dressing rooms to interview players after the Washington Capitals’ 5-2 victory over the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
The New York Islanders did not allow reporters in their dressing room after their game against Carolina at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Minnesota Wild and L.A. Kings closed their dressing rooms at Staples Center. On Friday, the San Jose Sharks sent their players to the podium instead of opening their dressing room.
Starting today, @NHL will close dressing rooms to media, on recommendation of Centers for Disease Control (@CDCgov) in effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. NBA, MLB + MLS are expected to follow. Media availabilities will be conducted in formal press conference area.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 7, 2020
Starting today, #NHL plans to close dressing room access to media, on recommendation of Centers for Disease Control in effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. NBA, MLB and MLS are expected to follow. Media availabilities will now be conducted in formal press conference areas.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 7, 2020
On Friday, the Penguins released a statement announcing they would follow the recommendations of the CDC, UPMC and the NHL in response to concerns of the coronavirus spreading as the death toll rises throughout the U.S.
“Our medical staff has been in communication for several weeks with UPMC Infectious Disease about safety and prevention,” the Penguins statement said. “The safety and health of our players, employees and fans are our first priority.”
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 6, 2020
In response to reports the NBA could close games to spectators, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said he would not play if there were no fans in attendance.
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said such a scenario would “absolutely” make for an odd circumstance but avoided discussing whether he would play if the NHL cleared arenas for games.
“We’ve discussed the situation and have been brought up to speed with what’s going on,” Crosby said, “but I haven’t given any thought to that. I couldn’t give you an opinion either way.”
