CRISIS IN VEGAS: AHL Silver Knights game shutdown due to COVID protocols

LAS VEGAS — Two days after the Vegas Golden Knights were shut down, their American Hockey League-affiliate Henderson Silver Knights were impacted by COVID protocols.

In accordance with the AHL’s COVID-19 protocols, Saturday’s exhibition game between the Silver Knights and San Jose Barracuda was canceled just before the third period started.

“Please note, this cancellation was not due to a positive COVID test result from Silver Knights players or staff,” the team said in a postgame statement.

Thursday’s game between the Golden Knights and St. Louis Blues was postponed. Vegas remains in protocol, whil the NHL is taking additional time to analyze COVID-19 test results. Per a report in the San Jose Mercury News, the San Jose Sharks – who own the AHL’s Barracuda – did not comment Saturday.

Holding a 1-0 lead Saturday at Orleans Arena, the Silver Knights had just skated on the ice with the Barracuda for the start of the third period when they were removed.

Henderson personnel moved swiftly from their stations, tending to equipment from the benches and ice, the refs converged on the side to discuss, a determination was made and from there it was protocol-mode.

Henderson, which beat San Jose, 7-3, in Friday’s exhibition opener, added it will provide details for the coming week’s activities “when appropriate.”

The Silver Knights are scheduled to open the AHL season against the Ontario Reign on Saturday at Orleans Arena.

Vegas’ series with the San Jose Sharks that was scheduled for Monday and Wednesday in Glendale, Arizona, was postponed by the NHL on Friday.

General manager Kelly McCrimmon said at least one member of the Golden Knights’ coaching staff tested positive for COVID-19, while newest Golden Knight Alex Pietrangelo has been on the league’s list of COVID protocol-related since Thursday.

Four members of the Golden Knights, including three coaches, are being isolated in connection with the League’s COVID Protocol.

Silver Knights coach Manny Viveiros and at least one other staff member were in a suite near the top of Orleans Arena on the red line while observing NHL COVID protocols. Viveiros and assistants Jamie Heward and Joel Ward were on the bench for Vegas during Tuesday’s 5-4 shootout loss to the Blues and are avoiding contact with the AHL club.

One level directly beneath were members of the team’s communications staff. Other members of the franchise sat on the opposite side in a far corner. Several members from the different stations were quick to disperse, clearly tending to their roles in such a crisis.

Former Golden Knight defenseman Deryk Engelland coached Henderson in its first two games.