The Toronto Maple Leafs had to stop using officials on the ice during their training sessions after the National Hockey League (NHL) agreed with the teams who complained about the situation.
As part of phase 3 of the NHL recovery plan, only 20 people who are not players may be present in team training complexes according to the health and safety protocol, in order to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19.
Thus, according to the Sportsnet network, some teams have filed formal complaints since the officials on the ice Tuesday – two referees and two linesmen – were not subject to the protocol in question.
“Apparently, some people in the NHL are following our media reports here in Toronto,” said head coach Sheldon Keefe. “I think some people in the league liked the idea that we had referees, but didn’t like the idea that they didn’t have the same opportunity.”
“We had to make adjustments and we are perfectly comfortable with that.”
The four officials had still tested negative for COVID-19.
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