Oilers confirm player had H1N1 flu

The Edmonton Oilers confirmed Tuesday that defenseman Ladislav Smid has been diagnosed as having had the H1N1 flu. The team said there are no other confirmed cases of H1N1 among the players, coaches or support staff, although a number of individuals have been suffering with the seasonal flu or flulike symptoms.

Smid, a 23-year-old native of the Czech Republic, did not miss any games and saw 19:47 of ice time in Tuesday night's 3-0 loss to Colorado. He has 4 assists in 12 games this season.

Dr. Dhiren Naidu of the Oilers' medical staff had the following statement regarding the confirmed case of H1N1.

"People in the community will be affected by this flu, and our players are not immune to this new virus. It’s important to note that our player recovered in very short order and has since resumed playing. We continue to be diligent in our defenses against the virus, and encourage everyone to do the same.

Hand-washing, paying attention to the symptoms, staying home if you are ill are all measures to be taken. In fact, I would direct everyone to heed advice regarding H1N1 as issued daily by Alberta Health."

In his news conference after the loss to Colorado, Oilers coach Pat Quinn wouldn't identify the player, but said he had played against the Avs.

"The biggest thing is that our doctor has been talking to our players and we are doing everything to stay on top of this," Quinn said. "We have been cautious from day one and hopefully we will be prepared to help our players get through this thing if indeed more players do contract the flu."

Earlier Tuesday, the Avalanche confirmed that backup goaltender Peter Budaj had the H1N1 flu. Budaj didn't accompany Colorado for the start of its four-game road trip, though he hopes to rejoin the team before it returns home next week.

The Avalanche also said no other players had come down with the virus.