Canucks: Bo Horvat and Jim Benning address COVID and return to play

Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat and general manager Jim Benning addressed the media on Friday over Zoom to talk about the team’s COVID-19 situation and returning to play.

About an hour before the press conference, it was announced that the Canucks would resume their season starting with a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rogers Arena on Sunday. This comes a day after the Canucks’ original return to play plan (Friday and Saturday against the Leafs) was pushed back.

As a result, the Canucks will be playing 19 games in 32 days.

Horvat was among the players that went on COVID protocol and spoke about his experience with the virus. He explained that his symptoms were mild.

It’s been a tough three weeks,” Horvat said. “When it starts hitting families, it’s really tough. It takes a lot out of you. You experience symptoms you’ve never really experienced in other flus and colds.”

Horvat also confirmed his wife Holly also tested positive.

“My wife tested positive and I was trying to be a supportive husband and look after my family,” he said. “I think it hit her a little harder than it hit me. It was tough to know my family got it from me but I’m happy that everybody’s getting healthy and getting better.”

Horvat also talked about J.T. Miller’s comments that were made on Wednesday.

“J.T.’s comments were needed,” said Horvat.. “It was really good for him to step up like that and he had his full teammates’ support, all of us are thinking the same thing.”

He was also asked about the support he and his teammates have received and gave this response.

The captain was also asked about people downplaying the seriousness of COVID and thinking that it’s only the flu. He laughed and said, “I’ve had the flu before, and this doesn’t hit you like a normal flu. It’s not something you want to get, it’s not something you want your family go through either. I can’t stress enough to follow the protocols.”