Avalanche coach Bednar to miss two pre-season games after positive COVID-19 test

Associated PressOctober 07, 2021 - 1:50pm

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, top, directs his players during a timeout against the St. Louis Blues in the second period of Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Monday, May 17, 2021, in Denver. (David Zalubowski/AP)

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche announced that coach Jared Bednar has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the next two preseason games against the Dallas Stars.

Assistant coaches Ray Bennett and Nolan Pratt will take his place on the bench, the team posted Thursday on Twitter. The Avalanche play in Dallas on Thursday night and host the Stars on Saturday. Colorado opens the regular season Wednesday against Chicago.

Head Coach Jared Bednar will not be behind the bench for the Avalanche’s next two preseason games against the Dallas Stars following a positive COVID-19 test.

Assistant Coaches Ray Bennett and Nolan Pratt will coach the team until Bednar’s return. pic.twitter.com/Pw3xAbJTeg

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 7, 2021

In other news, the Avalanche announced they will be without backup goaltender Pavel Francouz for approximately three to four weeks due to a lower-body injury. Francouz missed last season after having hip surgery.

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