SAN JOSE, Calif. — Rocky Thompson, a Sharks assistant coach, has left the team’s staff in the wake of the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols released this week.
According to the protocols, any person whose job requires them to be within 12 feet of players must be vaccinated for COVID-19. Thompson cited a medical situation as the reason he is not vaccinated.
“Due to a medical exemption that prevents me from taking the COVID-19 vaccine, under the new league protocols, I am not permitted to fulfill my duties on the Sharks coaching staff at this time,” Thompson said . “I will have no further comment on this matter.”
The league released protocols Thursday that said unvaccinated players will not be able to go anywhere on the road outside the team hotel, practice facility and arena, among other restrictions.
Thompson joined the Sharks coaching staff in 2020 after previously coaching minor league teams in the OHL and AHL. He played 25 career NHL games over four seasons with the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers.
The Sharks said in a release that they will announce a replacement for Thompson in the near future.
