SYDNEY, N.S. — A Saint John Sea Dogs staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced on Thursday.
The Sea Dogs, who were in Cape Breton Wednesday night for a game against the Eagles, have suspended in-person activities.
The staff member, whose name has not been released, did not travel to Cape Breton with the team.
The Saint John players and staff will now be isolated. Members of the organization who have been in contact with the infected person will be tested.
Public health officials have been in contact with the league. The QMJHL says they’re exploring the nature of all contacts between players and coaches. Any additional findings will be shared with the team and league.
Meanwhile, the Cape Breton Eagles will not be competing until the investigation by public health officials is complete.
Maxime Blouin, director of communications for the QMJHL, told the Cape Breton Post the Eagles players will not have to be tested for COVID-19 as of now.
"We're waiting to see what the results are from the Sea Dogs and if it's all negative we're good, but if we have positive cases within the Sea Dogs organization, then we will have to get the Eagles tested as well," said Blouin.
Meanwhile, there were 993 fans in attendance for the game at Centre 200. Blouin said fans will not have to be tested.
“They are not at risk,” said Blouin.
On the ice Wednesday, Cape Breton skated to an 8-6 win over Saint John.
Shawn Element and Félix Lafrance both had four-point performances, which included two goals, while Connor Trenholm, Ryan Francis, Jarrett Baker and Nathan Larose added single markers for the Eagles (7-8-0-0).
Joshua Roy and Brady Burns scored twice, while Leighton Carruthers and Dawson Stairs also added goals for the Sea Dogs (5-6-3-1).
Cape Breton’s William Grimard made 35 saves. Saint John’s Noah Patenaude stopped 26 of 33 shots.
The Eagles were scheduled to travel to Moncton this weekend for a pair of games against the Wildcats. However, the games were postponed prior to the Saint John news as the city of Moncton has returned to the orange level under New Brunswick’s COVID-19 recovery plan.
In a social media post Thursday, the Wildcats confirmed both games will be rescheduled. The dates and times were not announced at press time.
As of now, five games have been postponed – three for the Sea Dogs and two for the Eagles.
The Cape Breton Eagles organization was not available for comment on the situation. Questions were directed to the league.
Jeremy Fraser is the sports reporter for the Cape Breton Post. He's been with the publication for four years. Follow Jeremy on Twitter @CBPost_Jeremy.
