While many have publicly speculated that the OHL would begin play in December or January, they will not begin play until February 4th 2021.
That decision is probably the most wise choice made by David Branch and the OHL owners in their history.
Rather than trying to force a square peg in a round hole, the OHL is going with the most logical and reasonable plan offered by medical professionals.
International players will report to their Canadian teams by January 8 and will be expected to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Training camps will begin on January 23, before a short exhibition of one or two games January 29-31.
The season will be cut down to 40 games and playoffs will be halved as well; just eight teams (four from each conference) will make the postseason, as opposed to the usual 16.
There is no plan for the OHL’s teams based in the United States yet. Details and potential border closure issues remain an obstacle.
The Memorial Cup, the Major Junior National Championship tournament has been pushed back to June 17-20.
No plan for fan attendance has been made either as Ontario is currently not allowing groups of more than 10 together at one time.
Joseph Kolodziej – Adviser
