Blackhawks call off media availability; NHL to resume games Saturday

In response to the NHL canceling playoff games Thursday and Friday, the Blackhawks canceled their Friday media availability with Dylan Strome, Drake Caggiula and Matthew Highmore.

The NBA and WNBA first called off their games Wednesday in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha.

The Hawks released a statement that said "discussing hockey today would take away from this very important moment of reflection. We appreciate your understanding."

The NBA and Stanley Cup playoffs will resume Saturday.

The NHL, which did have two games Wednesday, will have three contests: Tampa Bay vs. Boston at 11 a.m.; Philadelphia vs. the Islanders at 6 p.m. and Vegas vs. Vancouver at 8:45 p.m.

Vegas forward Ryan Reaves, flanked by dozens of fellow NHLers, spoke Thursday about his league's decision to halt play.

"For all these athletes in here to take a stand and say we see the problem too and we stand behind you, I'd go to war with these guys," Reaves said. "I hate their guts on the ice, but I couldn't be more proud of these guys.

"The statement that they've made today is something that's going to last. These two days isn't going to fix anything, but the conversation and the statement that's been made is very powerful."