OHL announces plans to return to play in December

OHL commissioner David Branch. (Aaron Bell/OHL Images)

The Ontario Hockey League will be returning to the ice on Dec. 1.

The league announced its return-to-play plan Wednesday, after its 2019-20 campaign was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If all goes to plan, the OHL will return with a 64-game schedule and 16-team playoff format, with the regular season concluding on April 29, 2021.

After the 2020 iteration of the Memorial Cup was cancelled due to the pandemic, the OHL announced the tournament would return on June 17-27, 2021, hosted by either the Oshawa Generals or Soo Greyhounds.

“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,” OHL Commissioner David Branch said via 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 for our return to play.”

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