Players ‘preparing for worst’ as coronavirus affects stick production

Coronavirus has now infected more than 73,000 people and has a death toll of nearly 2,000.

With the quarantines and travel stoppages in China, local businesses are also being affected, which have global implications.

One implication? A potential stick shortage in the NHL.

NBCSN recently reported that 75 percent of all NHL sticks are made in China, or have parts that come from China. Two of the biggest stick retailers used by the league, CCM and Bauer, have factories based in China that have been closed since January, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Teams are preparing for a shortage. On Hockey Night in Canada this week, it was said that the Flames' equipment staff has already…