QMJHL: the 2nd wave of COVID-19 slows the return of foreign players
Everything indicates that the Sherbrooke Phoenix and its goalkeeper Samuel Hlavaj will have to take their troubles patiently.
Share September 30, 2020 12:50 p.m. Updated at 3:17 p.m. Share QMJHL: the second wave of COVID-19 slows down the return of foreign players
Jérôme Gaudreau La Tribune Cold shower for QMJHL teams who still have not succeeded in bringing their European or American players to Canada: the second wave of COVID-19 calls out to government authorities, which could slow down the return of foreign players .
While some organizations can already count on their international players after they have successfully crossed borders in recent weeks, others are eagerly awaiting this important reinforcement on the eve of the launch of the 2020-2021 season.
In an update sent by email, the QMJHL affirms that “although there are still some elements to be clarified, the Public Health Agency of Canada seems to appreciate the return to play protocol. However, government authorities are currently affected by the resurgence of cases and the second pandemic wave. “
In this communication, the QMJHL ensures that it will continue to highlight the quality of this protocol as well as the “very great collaboration of the teams and of all the people concerned by the activities of the league. “
“Our COVID-19-free case remains our best showcase,” reads further in this update.
We also learn that other steps will take place by the next weekend “always with the objective of allowing our foreign players to join their respective teams. “
Remember that the Sherbrooke Phoenix, for example, is still awaiting the return of its star goalkeeper Samuel Hlavaj, of its 20-year-old veteran defender Gregory Kreutzer. The champions of the last campaign are also hoping for the arrival of rookie Pavel Grishin, first choice of the team in the last draft of the international players.
The Baie-Comeau Drakkar went so far as to cede the rights of striker Raivis Ansons to a professional organization, HK Zemgale in Latvia.
During this time, other formations have had better luck. Like the Victoriaville Tigers, who managed to repatriate Mikhail Abramov, appointed captain on Tuesday morning.
The opening matches of the season will take place on Friday. Remember that all foreign players must respect a quarantine of 14 days on their return to Canada before joining their training.
