Trevor James
The National Hockey League (NHL) has a high vaccination rate among its players, with only four out of over 700 players unvaccinated as of the 2021-22 season. This equates to a vaccination rate of approximately 99%. While vaccination is not mandatory, the NHL has implemented COVID-19 protocols that strongly encourage players to get vaccinated. These protocols include daily testing and restrictions on travel for unvaccinated players, as well as the potential loss of pay for missed games. The high vaccination rate in the NHL is a result of various factors, including the desire to return to normalcy, team collaboration, and the potential impact on pay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination rate among players | 99% |
| Number of unvaccinated players | 4 |
| Vaccination policy for players | Not mandatory, but players who are unvaccinated will face multiple restrictions and may not get paid for missed games |
| Vaccination policy for officials and personnel | Mandatory |
| Daily testing policy for vaccinated players | Removed as of February 2022 |
| Daily testing policy for unvaccinated players | Required |
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What You'll Learn
NHL COVID-19 protocols for the 2021-22 season
The NHL and NHLPA agreed to new COVID-19 protocols for the 2021-22 season, which include penalties for unvaccinated players. While the NHL did not mandate vaccinations, they implemented a strict set of rules to encourage players to get vaccinated. The NHL expected that 98% or 99% of their players would be vaccinated before the start of the 2021-22 season, and they achieved this goal with a 99% vaccination rate.
The NHL's COVID-19 protocols for the 2021-22 season include the following:
- Vaccinated players will be PCR-tested at least every 72 hours, while unvaccinated players will be tested daily.
- Teams can suspend unvaccinated players who are "unable to participate in club activities."
- Unvaccinated players will only be able to go to their team hotel, practice facility, and arena while being unable to use areas such as bars and restaurants.
- Any player who decides to opt out of the 2021-22 season due to a lack of vaccination or if they are vaccinated but share a household with someone with a high risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19 must do so by October 1.
- Any hockey club personnel who has close contact with players (within twelve feet) regularly must be fully vaccinated by the start of the season.
The NHL's COVID-19 protocols for the 2021-22 season aim to encourage players to get vaccinated and reduce the spread of COVID-19. The NHL's high vaccination rate, combined with these protocols, will help ensure a full, regular 82-game season across two countries with varying COVID-19 rules.
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NHL's high vaccination rate
The NHL has achieved a high vaccination rate among its players, with an estimated 99% of players vaccinated against COVID-19 as of the 2021-22 season. This means that out of the roughly 736 players in the league, only about four remain unvaccinated.
There are several reasons behind the NHL's successful vaccination drive. Firstly, the NHL and the NHL Players' Association introduced COVID-19 protocols that strongly recommended vaccination. These protocols included potential loss of pay for unvaccinated players who missed games due to positive COVID-19 tests. Additionally, unvaccinated players faced other restrictions, such as daily testing, limited travel, and the possibility of suspension if they were unable to participate in team activities.
Another factor contributing to the high vaccination rate is the collaborative effort between the league, its players, and the Players' Association. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the collaboration and cooperation among all parties involved in navigating the challenges of the pandemic.
Furthermore, hockey culture also played a role in encouraging vaccination. Players generally wanted to avoid standing out or causing problems for their teammates. They also wanted life to return to normal, both at home and on the road. Crossing the U.S.-Canada border, for example, would be more complicated for unvaccinated players, impacting their ability to participate in certain games.
The high vaccination rate in the NHL is a result of a combination of factors, including league protocols, collaborative efforts, and a desire to protect teammates and resume a normal way of life. The NHL's successful vaccination drive has allowed the league to relax some COVID-19 testing protocols for vaccinated players while still adhering to local, state, provincial, and federal health laws.
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Unvaccinated NHL players
The NHL has stopped short of making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for players. However, it has implemented a series of measures to encourage players to get vaccinated. These include the threat of withholding pay for missed games due to positive tests and daily testing for unvaccinated players.
The NHL's approach appears to have been effective, with the league achieving a 99% vaccination rate as of October 2021. This means that only four out of more than 700 players were unvaccinated at the time. Two of the four players have been confirmed as New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood and Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi.
Unvaccinated players face several restrictions, including not being allowed to go anywhere on the road except the team hotel, practice facility, and arena. They are also subject to daily testing and can be suspended without pay if they are unable to participate in team activities due to their unvaccinated status.
While the NHL has not mandated vaccination, it has strongly encouraged it through these protocols. The high vaccination rate among players has allowed the league to relax some COVID-19 protocols for vaccinated individuals, such as removing the requirement for daily tests and updating mask recommendations.
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Reasons for not getting vaccinated
The NHL has a very high vaccination rate, with only four out of more than 700 players unvaccinated as of October 2021, amounting to a 99% vaccination rate. However, some players have expressed hesitancy or reluctance to get vaccinated. Here are some reasons why some NHL players have chosen not to get vaccinated:
Personal and Family Choice:
Some players, like Joel L'Esperance of the Dallas Stars, cited "family choice" as the reason for their decision not to get vaccinated. L'Esperance stated that it was a difficult decision but that his family was more important than his career at that moment. He mentioned that there were personal considerations he and his wife were taking into account, possibly related to fertility concerns, although he did not consider himself anti-vax.
Freedom of Choice and Individual Rights:
Some players have expressed a desire to exercise their freedom of choice and protect their individual rights. They view getting vaccinated as a personal decision that should not be mandated. Vancouver Canucks forward Jason Dickinson acknowledged the effectiveness of the vaccine but also stated that people have the right to argue against it and make their own choices.
Young and Healthy Athletes:
Given that NHL players are young, healthy, and in peak physical shape, some may perceive the vaccine as unnecessary for their age group. The hospitalization rate for COVID-19 in this demographic is already very low, and some players may believe that the vaccine does not significantly impact their risk of severe illness.
Vaccine Ineffectiveness and Transmission Concerns:
There is a belief among some that the vaccine does not prevent transmission but only reduces symptoms. As a result, unvaccinated individuals may feel that they are not contributing significantly to the spread of the virus and, therefore, do not need to get vaccinated.
Lack of Mandatory Requirement:
The NHL has not made vaccination mandatory for players. While the league has implemented protocols and restrictions for unvaccinated players, such as daily testing and limited access on the road, it has stopped short of requiring vaccination. This lack of a mandate may contribute to some players' decisions to remain unvaccinated.
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Relaxed testing protocols for vaccinated players
The NHL has introduced relaxed COVID-19 protocols for teams with traveling parties that have been at least 85% fully vaccinated for two weeks. The relaxed protocols include permitting players to gather socially outside of team facilities, eat and drink outdoors at restaurants, and spend time in each other's hotel rooms. Face coverings and social distancing will no longer be required for team meetings and social gatherings, and players won't need to receive PCR testing on off days.
The modifications are subject to withdrawal for multiple reasons, such as a COVID-19 outbreak. The protocols could also be adjusted if the NHL reaches a deal with the Canadian government to allow cross-border travel during the third and fourth rounds of the playoffs.
In addition, the NHL has also relaxed COVID testing requirements for players and close contacts. Players will no longer test daily for asymptomatic players who are also vaccinated. Players and team personnel will only be tested "for cause".
The NHL has a very high vaccination rate, with only four out of more than 700 players unvaccinated, which equates to a 99% vaccination rate. All NHL officials and personnel who come into contact with the players are also vaccinated.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but the NHL has a 99% vaccination rate, with only four out of more than 700 players unvaccinated.
Unvaccinated players will be tested daily and will not be allowed to go anywhere on the road except the team hotel, practice facility, and the arena. Teams can suspend unvaccinated players who are "unable to participate in club activities," and they will forfeit their payment for each day they are suspended.
The NHL introduced these rules to achieve the highest vaccination rate possible and ensure a full, regular season across two countries with varying COVID-19 rules.
Yes, all NHL officials and personnel who come into contact with the players are also vaccinated.
