John Wroblewski has COVID-19, coaches U.S. hockey women remotely before worlds

The United States women's national hockey team, which will feature 18 returning Olympians, took the ice for the first time Sunday to prepare for the world championships without new coach John Wroblewski, who tested positive for COVID-19.

Wroblewski tested positive Saturday, USA Hockey spokeswoman Melissa Katz said, and will coach remotely while spending a 10-day stretch in self-isolation. Should he be cleared, Wroblewski would travel separately to join the team in Denmark, where the U.S. opens the 10-nation tournament against Japan on Aug. 25.

"The COVID news is unfortunate, but I'll look at the positive side. I got a great look at the overall picture this week, and now I get to remove myself and process it while still making team decisions," Wroblewski wrote in a text to The Associated Press.

Before testing positive, Wroblewski had a chance to meet the players at a series of practices last week involving Under-18, college and national team members.

"I'm excited to take this window to create development plans for some of our players that they can start to work on even during the tournament," he added.

He said another benefit is by having assistant coaches Josh Sciba and Shelley Looney run practice, it will allow them to become more familiar with the systems Wroblewski has introduced, and help further develop their rapport with players.

Wroblewski was hired May 31 to replace Joel Johnson, who coached the team to a silver medal at the Beijing Winter Games in February. Johnson stepped down after one year as part of his commitment to coach the University of St. Thomas women's program.

Assistant coaches Josh Sciba and Shelley Looney will oversee the on-ice duties in Wroblewski's absence. The team is scheduled to travel to