Canucks close off dressing room to reporters due to coronavirus concerns

Reporters were not allowed into the Vancouver Canucks’ dressing room after yesterday’s game at Rogers Arena, as the team makes alterations to its post-game operations due to coronavirus concerns.

The Canucks informed the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association’s Vancouver chapter in advance of the game that the team would be making a change on recommendation from an “infectious disease specialist.”

The Canucks were advised that all “non-essential” personnel should be eliminated from team areas.

As a result, all post-game interviews took place behind a podium in the media room, a place typically reserved for Travis Green’s press conferences, not the dressing room, where players are usually made available.

“I was angry. It woke something up inside of me. I saw the puck, so I wanted to race and score a goal. I use my anger as fuel.” – Pettersson pic.twitter.com/jmJCILq9WC

— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) March 9, 2020

The Canucks say this is similar to the advice other teams have received and actions they are taking.

Precautions aren’t being limited to player-media interactions, as Canucks COO Trent Carroll sent the following letter to season ticket members, informing them of “proactive steps” taken by the team at their home arena:

The health and safety of our fans, players and staff is a top priority and it is important for us to keep you updated on the proactive steps we are taking at Rogers Arena as the ongoing Coronavirus issue evolves.

Although in Canada the risk of COVID-19 remains low, we are closely monitoring the situation and will implement all necessary safety measures as required. We are in daily communication with Provincial Health Services and the NHL to ensure we have the very best and latest information.

To date, we have taken the following proactive steps at Rogers Arena. We will continue to make immediate adjustments as necessary:

Added approximately 150 sanitizing stations throughout the arena
Increased our cleaning staff and rigorous surface cleaning frequency and protocols

Acquired specialty sanitizing equipment

Added more educational signage encouraging fans to wash their hands, cough into their sleeves and to stay home if they are feeling sick.

We will continue to welcome our fans to Rogers Arena and are looking forward to an exciting final stretch as we push for the playoffs. We will also continue to take all precautionary measures to ensure your health and safety and we will update you as new information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Trent Carroll
Chief Operating Officer, Alternate Governor, NHL
Canucks Sports & Entertainment

A Canucks spokesperson confirmed with Daily Hive that they consider the situation to be evolving day-by-day and that they will continue to monitor it closely to make sure they are proactively taking the right measures.

Coronavirus has impacted a number of sporting events around the world, as professional soccer matches in Italy were played in empty stadiums. The Women’s World Hockey Championships, which were due begin March 31 in Nova Scotia, were cancelled this weekend. In addition, a major international tennis tournament scheduled to start today in Indian Wells, California, was cancelled yesterday.

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