Blazers forward Nick McCarry is one of "a bunch" of players that contracted COVID-19 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

BLAZERS COVID OUTBREAK

“Majority” of Blazers had COVID-19, modified team activities can resume Tuesday

Jan 10, 2022 | 1:24 PM

KAMLOOPS — It started with a list of postponed games, raising suspicions of COVID-19 outbreaks across the WHL.

The Blazers had just come off back-to-back wins against Prince George. The Cougars’ games against Victoria were postponed, followed by two Kamloops home games over the weekend being delayed.

The Blazers have been one of the worst hit teams with the “majority” of the team contracting the virus.

“On Wednesday (Jan. 5), we had a few players with some minor symptoms. We had some positives with the antigens [rapid tests], so at that point Wednesday afternoon we PCR’d everybody and had a bunch of positives,” said Blazers head coach Shaun Clouston. “For that reason, everybody’s just been laying low, as per the guidelines.”

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With all the players and staff double vaccinated, the isolation period is five days, meaning most of the team will be able return to modified team activities on Tuesday.

“Tomorrow, we can go on the ice in a couple different groups,” said Clouston. “Then, as of Wednesday, we should have the green light for all the players not exhibiting symptoms to get back together.”

Three players were out of isolation on Monday and starting skating.

While the Blazers aren’t revealing the specific number of players and staff who had COVID, most of the team had the virus, including Clouston.

“For me personally, it was like a bit of head cold — a little bit of sinus congestion — and that was it,” he said. “We’ve had a ton of snow here, so I’ve been able to get out and shovel snow most mornings and went up on the hill and did some snowshoeing by myself, so I considered that being in isolation enough. There was just me and some horses up there.”

Clouston says most players have had similar symptoms, although some spiked fevers during the peak of their illness. However, there is no concern about the players’ health as the team returns to action.

“No [concern]. Everybody’s chomping at the bit to get on the ice. Everybody wants to get on the ice.”

The Blazers were supposed to leave for their U.S. road trip to play Portland on Wednesday. That game has been officially postponed. However, the Friday game at Tri-City and Saturday in Spokane are still a go.