NHL plans two outdoor games without fans in attendance

The National Hockey League is attempting to kick off 2021 on the right foot in order to forget about all of the troubles 2020 handed us and to focus on the 2021 season, which kicks off in less than two weeks. 

And the good news just keep going from there. 

On Friday morning, Elliotte Friedman revealed that, according to multiple sources, the NHL “is beginning its Mystery, Alaska experiment, with four teams as part of a unique two-game, two-day “Outdoor Weekend” showcase at Lake Tahoe. Edgewood Tahoe Resort, home of the popular celebrity golf tournament, is hosting these games, which will be played around the 16th, 17th and 18th holes.”

Fans started to notice something was up when NBC Sports unveiled its broadcast schedule for the campaign and saw that one game stood out as an oddity: Colorado at Vegas on Feb. 20, as it is the network’s lone Saturday telecast before April 17. On April 18, Philadelphia and Boston are facing off and fans noticed that  the Bruins, it’s their only game in six days; for the Flyers it’s their only one in five. “In the travel-friendly East Division, that’s unusual.”

So with Friedman’s report, it begins to make sense. 

However, do not got on thinking that these outdoor games mean fans will be allowed on the premise. It is believed that fans will not be in attendance, with the number of people limited to about 400 — basically the teams’ travelling parties and whoever is needed to work.

If ever fans watching and players enjoy the experience, this could become a regular occurrence : NHL games in “natural wilderness,” picturesque locations. 

For now, the NHL is focused on offering something different in this challenging season.