The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Drummondville Voltigeurs, which include a pair of rookies from Newfoundland and Labrador, have been shut down because of a first positive COVID-19 test amongst the players.
The Voltigeurs, which include defenceman Conor Shortall of St. John’s and goalie Riley Mercer of Bay Roberts, have suspended its team in-person activities.
A source close to the QMJHL said neither Shortall nor Mercer tested positive.
According to a QMJHL news release, the league issued a memo to the Voltigeurs’ executives in which it outlined the following steps to take place in accordance with the league’s protocols: players and hockey staff will now be isolated and tested; public health officials from Centre-du-Quebec have been contacted by the league.
They are exploring the nature of all contacts between players and staff.
The QMJHL, which opened its season on Oct. 2, had outbreaks on two teams in its first week. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada had 18 positive tests, and the Sherbrooke Phoenix had eight after the teams played each other twice on the first weekend of the season.
Shortall has a goal and an assist in four games for Drummondville so far this season. Perhaps the most impressive stat is his plus-five rating, which is tied for the team lead.
Mercer, 16, was the Volts’ second-round pick, 31st overall, in the 2020 QMJHL midget draft.
He has yet to appear in a game for Drummondville so far this season.
