WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister says a small number of fans will be allowed in the stands for the upcoming National Hockey League playoff series between The Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens.
Pallister did not offer any details but says work is underway to allow the change in time for Wednesday's opening game of the series in Winnipeg.
Pallister says it will be a sign of a small amount of optimism that life will return to normal.
"Yeah, I think there will be some fans — a small number, a few — in the next Jets game and I know they'll be safe and I know they'll be careful and I know they'll follow public health rules," said Pallister.
"And I think we should take that as a sign of some small amount of optimism that we can start to get our lives back here in Manitoba."
A followup statement from the premier's office said "some very deserving Manitobans" will be on hand for the game.
Montreal has allowed some fans to return to the stands after getting permission from the Quebec government.
Manitoba is dealing with a severe third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to strict public health orders and has seen some intensive-care patients flown to other provinces.
With files from Sportsnet.
