CBC: The Ontario government announced Monday that teams competing in the NHL’s all-Canadian North Division will be permitted to dine inside certain Ontario restaurants despite ongoing stay-at-home orders within the province.When asked why it is considered safe for NHL personnel to dine indoors but not the public, Premier Doug Ford yielded to the province’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. David Williams, who pointed to the league’s strict COVID-19 testing policy.

“The rules of the NHL are very much strict with their protocols, with their frequent testing, their isolation of their players to the extent, and especially very tight transport within Canada,” Williams said. “They do not leave the country, so they’re staying in this country the whole time. There are some players, of course, this is not their home, and [they] require some place to have some eating and food facilities.

“The NHL has procured that in a tight level of restriction and control. So that’s all part of their bubble, if you may use that term, which they have strictly laid out in their protocol. And so far, as far as I’m concerned, they’ve been adhering to it.”

Canadian-based NHL players say they have had an easier time avoiding COVID-19 due to tighter rules and restrictions compared with those in the United States. There are currently no Canadian-based players on the league’s protocol list, but that has largely been the result of limiting potential exposure and following strict routines.

Prior to the Ontario government’s decision, travelling players and coaches in Canada were only permitted at the hotel, arena or airport during the division-only season.

The league will submit a plan for approval to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health that will specify a full list of Ontario businesses and places that will be used by the NHL.

Along with certain restaurants, the list will include selected bars and facilities for recreational fitness.

Every business or establishment listed in the NHL’s plan must comply with certain conditions, including not allowing spectators. Hotels must also ensure that their facilities are open only for the use of NHL personnel.

People love being angry.  Some people look for excuses to get angry and without context so I understand why NHL players being allowed to eat in restaurants might piss the rest of us off.

Ford’s group of dumb asses did a terrible job explaining that these select few restaurants are only open for indoor dining for NHL players.  These NHL players are only allowed to eat at NHL approved establishments or approved by the NHL based on strict covid protocols.  They can’t just walk through the entertainment district eating wherever they want.  Players HAVE to eat and the majority of unmarried NHL players rarely eat at home and when they are on the road, it’s fucking impossible.  Indoor dining for NHL players is an essential service and the province is making sure it’s done right.

What is the difference between where we are concerned? We can’t be trusted.

NHL teams test players DAILY on top of making players adhere to a million different steps to mitigate the risk of infection and spread of Covid19.  If a player or players deviate from ANY part of the NHL Covid19 plan, they have to test. quarantine and contact trace until the player is in the clear.

Everyone else is just pissed because it looks unfair.  It’s not.  This is a provincial exception made in conjunction with the NHL so players can eat before and after games that  give you and me a break from pandemic life.  Provided these pre-approved restaurants are accountable to strict medical guidelines, allowing NHL players to dine indoors is a really good thing for a few small businesses and players alike.

It’s only unfair if you’re a self-absorbed asshole who can read or think critically.  You’re just pissed you can’t have what they have which is a really stupid thought process.

Do you want NHL Hockey? Grow up and use your brain.

Dean