Edmonton to Reportedly Host 2020 Stanley Cup Finals
By Jerry Trotta
With concerns growing over the latest spike of positive coronavirus cases in the states, Canada has recently gained momentum as the location for the NHL's restart operation.
On Wednesday, Edmonton and Toronto were confirmed as the two hub cities for the makeshift 24-team playoff format. Roughly 24 hours later, Edmonton has reportedly been identified as the host for the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals.
Edmonton will host the Stanley Cup Finals. ? pic.twitter.com/o6ZlwlQCZw
— theScore (@theScore) July 2, 2020
Edmonton hasn't technically been finalized just yet, as TSN's Bob Mckenzie used the term "apparently" in his report. However, he did acknowledge that Edmonton is the likely destination due to its optimistic numbers related to COVID-19.
I’m guessing the rationale for that decision is simply based on public health/safety/numbers. Whatever the reason(s), Edmonton it will be.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 2, 2020
Now that the logistics have been sorted, NHL fans can officially start the countdown to the resumption of the 2019-20 season. Training camps to prepare for the playoffs are scheduled to open on July 10, so it seems that COVID-19 and the ongoing collective bargaining dispute are the only things standing in the way of the NHL restart.
Let's cross our fingers that those obstacles don't prove to be too significant to overcome.