NHL finds a way to break Canada/USA border closing!

Everyone freaked out, especially hockey fans, when Canada and the United States agreed on Tuesday to keep their shared border closed until at least June 21.

However, it seems that the NHL has found a way to be exempted from this rule : as TSN’s Frank Seravalli reports, "the border only remains closed for “non-essential travel,” which is defined as tourism, recreation and entertainment. Healthy people may continue to cross the border for “non-discretionary” reasons – for work and employment purposes - and NHL players and team personnel fall into that category.”

Therefore, as NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly explained the league and NHLPA’s plans are not expected to be altered, as they continue to work toward resuming the 2019-20 season this summer.

“I remain hopeful that today’s announcement will not materially impact our return to play planning,” Daly said.

The NHL still hopes to move to Phase 2 of its return-to-play protocol, which involves opening team practice facilities for players to train in small groups, before the end of May. When the announcement on the border was made, many were afraid this would halt the process, however, Daly appears to be confident that players, such as Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews, Calgary Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, will be able to come across the borders to practice and join their respective teams. 

That’s a relief.