OHL targeting Dec. 1 start date

By Medicine Hat News on August 6, 2020.

The Ontario Hockey League is targeting a Dec. 1 start date for its 2020-21 season – a far more conservative goal than the Western Hockey League’s Oct. 2.

The major junior league – one of three under the Canadian Hockey League banner alongside the WHL and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – features 20 teams across Ontario, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

“We are looking forward to getting back to playing hockey, but are committed to ensuring that we do so in a manner that is safe and healthy for our players, officials, families, billets, teams, staff, fans and the community,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch in a release. “Players will remain at home until the season resumes and teams will work closely with them on both their academic studies and overseeing their on and off-ice development. In addition, the League will liaise with our facilities to ensure that our venues are safe.”

The proposed OHL season will feature a 64-game schedule – four fewer than usual – and a standard 16-team playoff format.

The WHL proposed a full 68-game schedule in its return to play framework back in mid-June. The return-to-play protocol also highlighted a desire to have at least 50 per cent capacity at arenas across the league, as well as full participation from all 22 member teams. The league has yet to provide any updates or revisions to the framework.

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