Montreal Canadiens head coach Dominique Ducharme tests positive for COVID-19

The Montreal Canadiens will be without their head coach when they face the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 Friday with the series tied 1-1. Dominique Ducharme registered a positive COVID-19 result on a test conducted Thursday, according to the NHL. Here’s the full statement from the league.

“This morning, we became aware that a test administered yesterday in Las Vegas on Montreal Canadiens Head Coach Dominique Ducharme indicated a presumptive positive result for the COVID-19 virus that was confirmed on further testing today. Coach Ducharme has been partially vaccinated with his second shot administered less than two weeks ago, on June 9. Per NHL COVID Protocols, Coach Ducharme was immediately isolated from the team. All tests administered to the Players, other coaches and hockey staff from both yesterday and today have returned uniformly negative results. The Canadiens organization has, and will continue to follow, all guidelines aimed at protecting the health and safety of its Players, staff and community at large as set by the NHL, the Canadian Federal Government, the Quebec Provincial Government, and national and provincial health agencies.”

Ducharme has been great for the Canadiens, leading them to the playoffs out of the North Division. He’s watched his team down the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 before sweeping the Winnipeg Jets to reach the semifinals against Vegas.