FAST FACTS: Info and Protocols Surrounding Phase 3 Training Camps

Monday begins Phase 3 of the NHL's Return to Play plan, where teams can open up training camps in their respective cities in preparation for Phase 4, when play actually resumes in the two hub cities.

How is this training camp different than those that we are used to seeing in September? Well, there's a 20-page document that details exactly what can and can't happen during Phase 3 and the precautions in place for the safety of players and staff. Here's the most pertinent info to know for Phase 3:

Rosters

During Phase 3, each team is allowed to roster a maximum of 30 skaters and an unlimited number of goalies. All players included in Phase 3 must be eligible for the 2019-20 playoffs, meaning recent signings like Ian Mitchell and Michal Teply will not participate. By the time the 24 teams leave for their respective hub cities, the roster must be trimmed down to 31 total players, goalies included.

For personal safety, players also have the right to choose to not participate in Phase 3 or 4 without penalty. Following the ratification process of the Return to Play agreement on Friday, a player has until 4 p.m. CT on Monday to notify the team and league if he intends to withdraw from the resumption of play.

Training Camp Activities

The only difference outlined in Phase 3 from a traditional training camp is that fitness testing will not take place. On-ice and off-ice activities are centered solely around getting the players ready for game action in just three week's time.

Access to the Rink

For safety, very limited personnel are allowed on-site during Phase 3. Aside from players and essential team staff, limited media members are allowed, provided they are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and pass a temperature check when entering the arena. Fans and non-approved individuals will not be allowed in the building for the entirety of Phase 3.

Safety Protocols

The 'bubble' of the hub cities might not officially be enacted until the teams leave on July 26, but there is already a bubble taking shape in each team's home city. Any member of the planned traveling party (players, hockey operations staff, coaches, trainers and equipment staff, etc.) is not permitted to have in-person interactions around the rink with the limited number of people allowed on site that are not in the traveling party (essential building staff, media, etc.). Physical barriers and significant social distancing are also in place between the two groups use to prevent any possible transmission to the players and members of the traveling party.

Players and traveling personnel are all to be tested 48 hours before the start of training camp and every 48 hours once camp begins. This group is also instructed to self-administer a temperature check no more than two hours before they arrive at the arena and will again be checked upon arrival. Other working personnel who have the potential to be in the vicinity of players (ice and building maintenance, security, etc.) will also follow the same protocols and testing out of an abundance of caution.

Symptoms and Positive Tests

Should a player or staff member report any symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive during any part of Phase 3, the individual will immediately go into self-isolation until medically cleared. In order for a person to return to team activities, he must test negative twice at least 24 hours apart or after a minimum of 10 days in self-isolation following the onset of symptoms and at least 72 hours without a fever or respiratory symptoms.