OHL targets Dec. 1 start

The Ontario Hockey League envisions a 2020-21 season that starts Dec. 1 and finishes with the Memorial Cup in late June.

All of that hinges on fans being able to attend games safely by the launch date.

The league officially announced its return- to- play plans Wednesday and is shooting for a 64- game schedule — down four from the usual 68 — and the regular 16- team playoff format. The jam-packed regular season will end a month later than normal — Thursday, April 29 — and the 102nd Memorial Cup is pushed back to June 17-27.

The Cup tournament will be held in either Oshawa or Sault Ste. Marie.

The players are not expected to report to their respective hockey cities until the season begins. Over the next four months, the league plans to work with government and health agencies to finalize outstanding issues such as safe attendance at venues and cross- border travel to reach its three American centres (Erie, Flint and Saginaw).

“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.=

“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 office development. In addition, the league will liaise with our facilities to ensure that our venues are safe for our return to play.”