Turn up some Thin Lizzy because the boys are back in town.
At least four Blackhawks players returned to the team’s practice facility, Fifth Third Arena, on Wednesday in Chicago for voluntary workouts as part of Phase 2 in the NHL’s Return To Play plan. It was the first time players have entered the building since the NHL paused its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic March 12.
The Blackhawks shared photos and a video on social media of forwards Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat and Alex Nylander and goaltender Malcolm Subban wearing masks and carrying their equipment bags and sticks from the parking lot to the building’s front door. Both DeBrincat and Kane have stayed in Chicago since the pause began. Nylander did travel with his brother, William Nylander of the Maple Leafs, before returning to Chicago.
Some of the #Blackhawks returned to @fifththirdarena for Phase 2 voluntary workouts today! pic.twitter.com/qpJnYZ7oZJ
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 10, 2020
The NHL has allowed players to participate in small voluntary workouts of no more than six players and a limited amount of team personnel since Monday. The League is expecting the 24 teams in its return-to-play format will be able to start training camps in mid-July.
Related
Watch: Time-lapse video shows Blackhawks have ice back at Fifth Third Arena
The Blackhawks, the No. 12 seed in the Western Conference, are slated to play a best-of-five qualifying round series against the No. 5 Oilers at one of two to-be-determined hub cities. Chicago is also among 10 cities under considerations to be a hub city.