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Canadiens interim coach Dominique Ducharme tests positive for COVID-19

June 18 (UPI) -- Montreal Canadiens interim head coach Dominique Ducharme will miss Friday's Game 3 against the Vegas Golden Knights after testing positive for COVID-19, it was announced.

The team said in a statement that assistant coach Luke Richardson will run the Canadiens' bench. Assistant coaches Alex Burrows and Sean Burke also will be on the bench.

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The NHL said no other players or staff members on the Canadiens tested positive either Thursday or Friday. The Stanley Cup semifinal series is tied 1-1 as it shifts to Canada for Game 3.

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin told reporters Ducharme is resting at home and "doing fine." The league confirmed that Ducharme -- who must isolate from the team -- received his second COVID-19 vaccination less than two weeks ago.

"The Canadiens organization has, and will continue to follow, all guidelines aimed at protecting the health and safety of its players, staff and community at large as set by the NHL, the Canadian Federal Government, the Quebec Provincial Government, and national and provincial health agencies," the NHL said in a statement.

Ducharme tested positive for the coronavirus Friday morning, which forced the Canadiens to cancel his pregame news conference. He underwent additional testing, and after a second positive test result, he was ruled out for the matchup.

During the regular season, an individual with a confirmed positive COVID-19 test was required to sit out at least 10 days. A potential Game 7 of the semifinal series against Vegas is set for June 26 -- less than 10 days away.

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