Rocky Thompson, San Jose Sharks assistant coach, has announced that he is quitting his position due to a medical exemption that prohibits him from getting a vaccine for COVID-19.
Thompson released a statement saying that "Under the new League protocol, I am no longer permitted to fulfill my duties as Sharks coach staff at the moment." "I will not make any further comments on this matter."
The NHL protocol for the 2021-22 season states that anyone who is required to be within 12 feet from players or their job must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Thursday's protocols by the league stated that unvaccinated players traveling on the road would not be allowed to travel anywhere but the team hotel, practice area, and arena.
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After previously coaching minor league OHL and AHL teams, Thompson joined the Sharks' coaching staff in 2020. Thompson played 25 games in his career with the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, and AHL.
According to a league source, Thompson was described as a "hot name" who would be "behind an NHL bench sooner than expected by a May source."
