Pat Merrill: First NLL coach added to COVID protocol

Pat Merrill (Jack Dempsey/National Lacrosse League)

The San Diego Seals have placed their General Manager & Head Coach, Pat Merrill, in COVID-19 protocol.

Merrill becomes the National Lacrosse League’s first coach to be added to the protocol list.

In the statement shared on social media, the team confirms, “The San Diego Seals announced today that General Manager and Head Coach Patrick Merrill has entered the league’s COVID protocol following a positive test on Monday. He is currently in quarantine, taking all the necessary medical precautions.”

The Seals spent this past weekend in Calgary, where the team captured a convincing 17-12 win over the host Roughnecks to move to 2-1 this season. San Diego next plays the Saskatchewan Rush in Saskatoon on New Year’s Eve.

While Merrill is the first coach in COVID-19 protocol, the league presently has six players there as well: Jeff Teat (Dec. 10). Cory Highfield (Dec. 12), Corey Small, Alex Crepinsek, Mitch Wilde (Dec. 17) and Tom Schreiber (Dec. 18).

Earlier today, the Halifax Thunderbirds were forced to reschedule their next home date due to the province of Nova Scotia’s tighter restrictions on indoor gatherings, including sporting events.

In addition to his duties with the Seals, Merrill also serves as the VP of Business Development at The Hill Academy in Caledon, a school he co-founded with his family. A number of NLL players currently coach there, including Teat, Brodie Merrill, Graeme Hossack, Clarke Petterson, and others.

The Seals assistant coaches include Josh Sanderson and Bill Greer.