No bodychecking if OHL returns

BODYCHECKING OR OTHER PHYSICAL CONTACT WON’T BE PERMITTED: ONTARIO MINISTER

The Ontario Hockey League will have to try to remove physical contact, including bodychecking, if it’s to have a 2020-21 season.

Lisa MacLeod, Ontario’s minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, spoke with media on Wednesday, where she addressed a variety of issues facing sports in the province during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of her most pressing concerns is the OHL’s return-to-play plan, which she said is currently targeting an early December start date.

However, MacLeod said steps have to be taken by the OHL — or any sporting organization in the province — to slow the spread of COVID-19, including removing close physical contact among players.

“It would be safe to say that body contact, unless it’s incremental, will not be permitted as a result of COVID-19,” said MacLeod. “That would pose a challenge in terms of how they amend their play.”

Premier Doug Ford’s government has put a four-week pause on any new reopening plans, including sports organizations like the OHL. MacLeod said that her ministry and the OHL are “in constant contact” as they try to come up with a reopening plan for the 20-team league.

“We work incredibly well with them, (OHL commissioner) David Branch is a part of our ministerial advisory committee as well, so they’re well aware of the health crisis that we find ourselves in in the second wave,” said MacLeod.

MacLeod added that the OHL has not asked for any financial support from the provincial government during the prolonged stoppage in play. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, one of the OHL’s partner leagues in the Canadian Hockey League, has had to ask different levels of government for financial support.

The OHL said in a statement that will not comment on its ongoing negotiations with the Ontario government.