The NHL has seen massive spikes in positive COVID cases among players and team personnel, similar to what has been seen across the entire sports world.

The Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche announced on Friday that games would be suspended through December 26th. On Saturday, the Boston Bruins revealed that they will not play again until December 27th. Team facilities are now closed as a result of more positive COVID tests within the team.

The massive spike around the league has caused the NHL and the NHLPA to make some changes. They have begun implementing expanded testing protocols, and begun playing games without fans in attendance again.

On Sunday, the NHL released a memo detailing the new agreement between the league and the player's union.

According to the statement, the season will continue.

“We will continue to play the 2021-2022 regular-season schedule. Although there has been a recent increase in positive COVID test results among players, coaches and hockey staff, there have been a low number of positive cases that have resulted in concerning symptoms or serious illness. Therefore the medical experts have determined that, with virtually all Players and Club Hockey staff fully vaccinated, the need to temporarily shut down individual teams should continue to be made on a case-by-case basis.”

The NHL continues to see increases in positive COVID cases all across the league. There have even been complications with getting players and personnel back into the United States. But, the league is pressing on in hopes that they can get a handle on the situation.