The Vancouver Canucks announced on Friday that defenseman Troy Stecher has been diagnosed with mumps, and four other Canucks players — Mike Chaput, Markus Granlund, Chris Tanev, and Nikita Tryamkin — are displaying symptoms of the contagious disease:
Several #Canucks have presented with symptoms of mumps with one confirmed diagnosis. https://t.co/CacndddlTZ pic.twitter.com/jiHSJUVRvW
— X – Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) February 24, 2017
The Vancouver Canucks confirmed today that several players have presented with symptoms of mumps with one confirmed diagnosis. The team has worked from the outset with the Vancouver Health Authority, NHL, NHLPA and BC Centre for Disease Control to minimize transmission of the illness.
“We’re taking this very seriously given how easily mumps can spread,” said Canucks General Manager, Jim Benning. “At this point Troy Stecher is the only player with a confirmed test result. Chris Tanev, Nikita Tryamkin, Mike Chaput and Markus Granlund have each presented symptoms. We’ll continue to follow all protocols in accordance with Vancouver Coastal Health guidelines in order to prevent further infection.”
This isn’t the first time mumps affected NHL players. Back in December of 2014, Penguins star Sidney Crosby sat in front the media with a swollen cheek. It was later revealed he had mumps. As did multiple players across the league.
For those unaware of what mumps is: it’s a viral disease which causes muscle pain, fever, headaches, and other flu-like symptoms. The illness can result in swollen glands. Mumps is disgusting, yet easily spreadable through saliva and mucus.
The Canucks announced the players showing symptoms are currently under quarantine and that the dressing room is being disinfected.
It’s a bizarre, tough loss for the Canucks. Losing five players due to a random disease — including three top defensemen — is a tough pill to swallow. Especially at the end of a bye week. Plenty of moves will have to be made to add to Vancouver’s lineup as they face San Jose tomorrow night.
Hopefully, the outbreak is contained in Vancouver and mumps doesn’t show up across the league.
