Raiders forward Ilya Usau. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Raiders Hockey

Raiders players not showing symptoms to COVID-19, despite possible exposure

Mar 16, 2020 | 1:07 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping across the world and may have found its way into the WHL.

According to Mike Sawatsky of the Winnipeg Free Press on Sunday, two members of the Winnipeg ICE have shown symptoms and have been tested for the coronavirus.

That’s important from a Prince Albert Raider perspective, as the Raiders’ last game before the Western Hockey League’s schedule pause was against the ICE on Sunday, March 8.

Raiders General Manager Curtis Hunt said no players are exhibiting any symptoms of the virus. Raiders’ athletic therapist Duane Bartley is regularly checking in on the players.

“All players indicate they’re feeling great, they’re feeling fine. There’s nothing out of the ordinary,” Hunt said. “Our guys feel great and we are monitoring that situation.”

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When the WHL put all remaining games on pause on Thursday and postponed the Raiders’ two games on the weekend, the team started to take every precaution.

“When we suspended the weekend, we basically put [the players] in self-isolation,” Hunt said. “We had our team doctor come in and have him discuss the importance of hygiene and social distancing and a whole lot of common sense in terms of how you live day by day without shutting yourself in your room and becoming a recluse — because that’s not healthy either.”

Symptoms for COVID-19 include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain and a high fever.

The WHL has been on pause since they made the announcement on Thursday. The league will be having conference calls on Tuesday to further discuss that situation.

The story incorrectly stated the Raiders players had been tested. They have not, but have been monitored closely by the team to see if they are showing symptoms.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW