Corona spook goes on

Created: 01/22/2022, 07:00

By: Patrick Hilmes

Standstill at SCR: It will be a few more weeks before coach Pat Cortina can welcome all his players in training again and put them under full load.

© ANDREAS MAYR

The corona virus continues to wreak havoc at SC Riessersee: the SCR reported three positive cases, and now three players have had positive rapid tests.

The infected actors must first go through the return-to-play protocol after their recovery.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen –

Nothing is currently going on at SC Riessersee on the ice.

The top division ice hockey team reported three positive Covid 19 cases, including two players, on Wednesday.

The consequences: no games this weekend, quarantine for those infected, no team training, only individual units.

But the corona spook at the SCR is not over yet.

In the meantime, rapid tests have had a positive effect on three other actors.

This trio, as well as all other team members who have previously tested negative, underwent another PCR test on Friday.

"Only when we have these results do we know how badly things have really hit us," emphasizes Managing Director Pana Christakakis.

Further PCR test series - results are not yet available

In view of the three new positive quick tests, Christakakis assumes that the white-blues will also have to cancel the duel with the Regensburg polar bears scheduled for next Tuesday.

But there is still hope.

There is also good news.

Two players had already developed symptoms on Wednesday night.

The subsequent PCR tests turned out to be negative.

"We're just waiting for the results, see how many players are out, and then we'll plan further."

Three catch-up games scheduled

From a sporting point of view, there is currently a standstill, but the game plan is being worked on diligently.

Three catch-up games have now been scheduled, all of which will take place on a Tuesday.

On February 1st, Riessersee will be welcomed by the Blue Devils Weiden.

The Werdenfels team will be making a guest appearance at EV Füssen on February 22nd.

The duel in front of a home crowd with EC Peiting was scheduled for March 1st.

The only thing missing from this list is the twice-postponed home game against the Landsberg Riverkings.

By then, all previously infected actors should be able to participate again.

But they have a long way back to the ice waiting for them.

Because every player who has been infected with the corona virus must first go through the return-to-play protocol after surviving the illness.

dr

Martin Fleckenstein examines the SCR players.

©Andreas Mayr

In the case of the Riesserseer, it looks like this: After those affected have tested negative and are allowed to leave the quarantine - in which the body is supposed to experience rest - it goes to Dr.

Martin Fleckenstein, the trusted doctor at the SCR.

Anamnesis, ECG, blood test, echocardiogram - the players have to deal with all of this at Dr.

Apply Fleckenstein.

“Medically nonsense”

dr

Martin Fleckenstein on a stress test shortly after leaving quarantine

So far it is also in the protocol of the German Ice Hockey Federation. But in the next step, Dr. Fleckenstein from that. A stress test is actually planned, but not with the SCR. "Because from a medical point of view he is nonsense," emphasizes the doctor. "The player has not trained for the past week. If I then put him on the bike and let him pedal at 300 watts, he may not have myocarditis before, but afterwards he will have myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle, editor's note). 120 should not be exceeded. The load can be increased day by day. The athlete must observe himself. "If I can do it, what's my pulse doing, am I normal or extremely exhausted afterwards," says the doctor, describing the procedure.If the patient remains symptom-free, he can go back on the ice and train lightly - "up to 75 percent load".

Various examinations and tests required

Seven to ten days after leaving quarantine, the player will need to see Dr.

Fleckenstein will make representations.

Only then does he carry out a stress ECG.

For professionals with up to 300 watts.

"If there are no complaints and the pulse rates match what they were before the infection, he gets the go-ahead." This is a form on which the doctor again states that the player is fit for sports.

Players usually out for 14 days or more

In summary: Normally, a player who has tested positive for Corona returns to the ice after 14 days at the earliest.

“In the case of a boosted player who is completely free of symptoms and complaints, we sometimes do without the stress test.

Then it can go faster.” But the other way around as well.

“There are always players for whom the stress test comes too early.

They then need a week longer,” says Dr.

Fleckenstein.

If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, a new round of diagnostics is required – magnetic resonance imaging, a visit to a lung specialist, chest CT, etc.

"But that's no longer part of the return-to-play protocol.

Then the player is just a patient who cares about their health and not getting back on the ice.”