Hockey Canada is urging teams to make precautions to avoid the spread of the H1N1 virus, after the death of a 13-year-old hockey player in Toronto.

Players have been urged not to share water bottles by various hockey associations, and Hockey P.E.I. has gone so far as to ban the traditional post-game handshake for the time being.

Experts say passing around water bottles, a tradition among many younger athletes, is a particularly easy way to spread the H1N1 virus.

"The risk of H1N1 transmission with shared water bottles would be huge," Dr. Brian Ward, an infectious disease expert at McGill University, told The Canadian Press.

"Personal water bottles please."

The H1N1 virus, like other flu viruses, can spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing. Infection can also occur from physical contact with an infected surface.

Dr. Mark Aubry, chief medical officer for Hockey Canada, has recommended players wash their hands frequently and not share towels and that teams have hand sanitizer readily available.

On Monday, 13-year-old hockey player Evan Frustaglio, 13, of Toronto died from the swine flu, just days after playing two games. It is unknown how he contracted the virus.

Tony Foresi, president of Alliance Hockey, said the avid hockey player's death has reinforced the importance of associations educating players, coaches and parents on the dangers of sharing personal items.

The H1N1 virus has already started affecting professional leagues as well. Three NHL players, Peter Budaj of the Colorado Avalanche, Quinton Laing of the Washington Capitals and Ladislav Smid of the Edmonton Oilers, have all been sidelined by the virus.

UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesner had to postpone his match with Shane Carwin at UFC 106, claiming symptoms like those associated with the H1N1 virus.