“We would definitely have a robust curiosity in internet hosting video games in Vancouver … supplied the plan is in accordance with pointers set by well being authorities and the provincial authorities,” wrote Canucks chief working officer Trent Carroll in an electronic mail.

It is an concept supported by Premier John Horgan as effectively. He mentioned he has written to the NHL and the gamers’ union to supply B.C. as a venue.

“Assuming that the video games could be performed with out audiences, however as an alternative could be performed for tv,” Horgan mentioned at a Wednesday briefing.

The NHL, which was pressured to pause its schedule March 12 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has been taking a look at plans to centralize teams of groups in low-risk hubs in hopes of resuming the 2019-20 marketing campaign this summer time.

 There have been 189 video games left within the common season when the NHL halted play.

Dr. Henry, province present curiosity

Provincial well being officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says there are methods to securely host NHL video games in Vancouver if the league goes forward with resuming the season in a small variety of hub cities.

Throughout her every day briefing on Monday, Henry described the idea as an “fascinating concept,” and identified that in contrast to many different sports activities, hockey gamers put on face masks, which may assist stop the unfold of COVID-19.

“I might not see there being an in-ice viewers, for instance, however we may broadcast the video games, and there is ways in which gamers may take precautions to make sure that there’s bodily distancing,” she mentioned.

Tourism Minister Lisa Beare mentioned she has been in contact with the Canucks concerning the hub metropolis proposal and pointed to Vancouver’s “world class sports activities amenities and a robust report in internet hosting sport tournaments” as promoting factors.

“Like many British Columbians, I’m excited on the prospect of an NHL restart right here in our province,” Beare mentioned in an emailed assertion.

“Our authorities would welcome a plan to host video games in B.C. that adheres to the provincial well being officer’s directives and recommendation.” 

Different Canadian areas within the combine?

Sports activities information web site, The Athletic, reported earlier this week that between 11 and 14 groups submitted proposals to the NHL for his or her cities to function hubs.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford mentioned he has been in contact with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ guardian firm about Toronto serving as a host city.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney mentioned he spoke to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman about Alberta hosting games however mentioned he has not seen a proper proposal.

The Canucks spokesperson mentioned the crew shouldn’t be pursuing any public cash to make Vancouver a hub metropolis.

He added it is not clear when the NHL will decide on Vancouver as one of many hubs — or if the NHL is 100 per cent dedicated to the hub metropolis method.