The OHL makes it official

[ckg927]

They just released their Return to Play plans.

Major takeaways:

*The season starts Dec. 1st and will last 64 games. It'll end Apr. 29, 2021.
*The Memorial Cup will be June 17-27, 2021...and be hosted by Oshawa or Sault Ste. Marie.

[retired/sectionJ]

Here is the information from the OHL which was also posted on the season scenarios thread.

OHL Announces Return to Play Plans


Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that it is planning to return to play on December 1, 2020, subject to ensuring that the players, fans, staff and community are able to play and attend games safely. Over the next four months the League will continue to work with government and health agencies to finalize outstanding issues such as safe attendance at venues and cross border travel for teams and players.

“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. “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 for our return to play.”

The season will include a 64-game schedule and a 16-team playoff format. The regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday April 29, 2021. The 102nd Memorial Cup presented by Kia is scheduled to be played June 17-27, 2021 and will be hosted by either the Oshawa Generals or Soo Greyhounds.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

[NiceDawg]

The wording of this announcement is far from "he shoots - he scores", please pay attention the following phrases:

• "planning to" - nothing has been finalized
• "subject to" - there are restrictions outside of their control
• "finalize outstanding issues" - there are number of issues that have yet to be resolved

[retired/sectionJ]

Joey Burke interview on 610 radio this afternoon in print.

The Niagara IceDogs getting word that OHL hockey is set to resume in December.

The Ontario Hockey League has announced that it is planning to return to play on December 1, 2020.

IceDogs General Manager Joey Burke tells CKTB it's great that the team has a date to look forward to.

Burke says they are currently in talks with the Ontario government to see if they can have more than 50 people inside the Meridian Centre. The centre's capacity is 5300.

He says if they get approval to operate at 50%, they can accomodate season ticket holders, and other fans.

Currently under Stage 3 of Ontario's reopening plans, you can't have a group larger than 50 indoors.

The movie theatre industry has recently been successful in talks with the government increasing the amount of moviegoers to 50 per screen, instead of the entire facility.

Burke says anything less than 50 percent capacity at the Meridian would be difficult.

The season will include a 64-game schedule and a 16-team playoff format.

The regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday April 29, 2021.

The 102nd Memorial Cup will be held in June a

[Blacksox]

OHL Prospects Retweeted

Ryan Pyette
@RyanatLFPress
Just spoke with OHL commissioner David Branch. The Dec. 1 target start date gives the league some runway to deal with the border problem. No out-of-conference games this year and teams to be clustered based on proximity.

[dogged74]

Just awesome, fantastic news! A 64-game schedule, with an all-interconference schedule.
All rivalries, all the time. There’s nothing like a good dose of hockey hate. It all starts December 1, and I can’t wait!! I can’t wait to see Pano Fimis in action!

[retired/sectionJ]

Joey stated in his 610 interview today (in print) that if they get approval to operate at 50%, they can accomodate season ticket holders, and other fans.
Today, we can have 50 people indoors and we have no idea as to when the number will increase. 2650 is 50% capacity of the Vault.
I am not trying to be negative here and can't wait for hockey to resume, but, should we believe that this might happen in December?

[ckg927]

Originally Posted by retired/sectionJ

Joey stated in his 610 interview today (in print) that if they get approval to operate at 50%, they can accomodate season ticket holders, and other fans.
Today, we can have 50 people indoors and we have no idea as to when the number will increase. 2650 is 50% capacity of the Vault.
I am not trying to be negative here and can't wait for hockey to resume, but, should we believe that this might happen in December?

Considering how well Canada as a whole has handled coronavirus(compared to my homeland, the U.S.), I have no reason to see why that won't happen. But who knows how things will be on December 1st?

[retired/sectionJ]

It is a well known fact that I do not like the London Knights or management, but, I have to give them a thumbs up on this article in the London Press pertaining to startup. Mark Hunter and David Branch statements.
Yet, from Niagara, not much info available to fans, unless I missed something

https://lfpress.com/sports/hockey/ju...-494199f1ff10/

[Blacksox]

Originally Posted by retired/sectionJ

It is a well known fact that I do not like the London Knights or management, but, I have to give them a thumbs up on this article in the London Press pertaining to startup. Mark Hunter and David Branch statements.
Yet, from Niagara, not much info available to fans, unless I missed something

https://lfpress.com/sports/hockey/ju...-494199f1ff10/

Here is the link to the related story from bpsportsniagara.com
https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/ohl-...-return-dec-1/