While 62% of the players experienced Covid-19 symptoms, the on-ice referees did not, nor did the one spectator in the stands.
Ice rink well-suited to Covid-19 transmission
Ice hockey involves vigorous physical exertion with heavy respiration during the game and frequent contact between the players.
"The ice rink provides a venue that is likely well suited to COVID-19 transmission as an indoor environment where deep breathing occurs, and persons are in close proximity to one another," the researchers noted.
More than one player may have been infectious during the game, the researchers acknowledged, but they believe that the index patient was the source of the transmission while he was still asymptomatic.
The median incubation time for Covid-19 is four to five days from exposure to symptom onset and ranges from two to 14 days, according to the CDC.
The analysis was limited because not all the players were tested for the virus and asymptomatic infections may not have been identified.
"The indoor space and close contact between players during a hockey game increase infection risk for players and create potential for a superspreader event, especially with ongoing community COVID-19 transmission," the study concluded.
"The ice rink provides a venue that is likely well suited to COVID-19 transmission as an indoor environment where deep breathing occurs, and persons are in close proximity to one another," they added.
Sparse information on Covid-19 spread at sports events
There are few published studies or reports on Covid-19 transmission associated with specific sports games or practices, other than what has been reported in the news, the CDC noted.
In New Hamphire, 158 residents associated with 23 different ice hockey teams or organizations have been diagnosed with Covid-19 over the past two months, Dr.
Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist, said Thursday.
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