Hockey handshake lines in doubt as norovirus lurks in Pyeongchang
Officials have told players to fist-bump one another rather than shaking hands to prevent transmission
By The Associated Press
One of hockey's most time-honoured traditions is in danger of not happening at the Pyeongchang Olympics.
Officials have told players to fist-bump one another rather than shaking hands to prevent transmission of norovirus, which is highly contagious.
[VIDEO src="55942"]
U.S. defenceman James Wisniewski's father tested positive for norovirus last week and is one of 49 of 283 confirmed Olympic cases still in quarantine.
The U.S. men's team definitely isn't shaking hands.
Women's teams have decided to continue shaking hands, including the U.S. and Finland after their semifinal Monday. Players know about the warning and decided the meaning behind the postgame ritual outweighs the risks.
International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene Fasel is not sure it's necessary for players to stop but figures it's better to be safe than sorry.