Report: Sens, local NHLers permitted to skate at private Ottawa rink

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.

Ottawa Senators skaters and other NHL players from the area can skate again at a private facility in Canada's capital for the first time since the coronavirus shut the league down March 12, according to the Ottawa Sun's Ken Warren.

Physical distancing will be enforced, and no more than five skaters will be allowed on the ice at any time. Players are also being asked to show up to the arena in everything but their skates.

The NHL still prohibits the use of team practice rinks until every franchise receives government clearance to reopen. However, Ontario has begun procedures to restore the use of local facilities, so players in Ottawa can return to the ice under certain provisions.

The league is working toward an expanded 24-team playoff format if it's able to stage a return, but the Senators, who occupied 30th place through 71 games at the time of the pause, won't play again until next preseason.

Five Senators players have tested positive for COVID-19 during the stoppage.