The latest Ontario-wide lockdown is going to impact what was the tentative February 4 start date for the Ontario Hockey League season.
David Branch, the OHL commissioner, released a statement today about the latest start delay.
"After meeting with our Board of Governors and General Managers, the OHL has made the decision to delay the start of the 2020-21 season," stated Branch.
"Training camps had been scheduled to begin in mid-January, many players were set to report to their teams in early January, and games were scheduled to commence on February 4, 2021."
Branch notes the decision follows Premier Ford’s announcement of a province-wide shutdown in Ontario commencing on December 26, 2020.
"The League will continue to consult and work closely with Governments and health authorities to determine potential start dates in the new year," said Branch.
"The safety of all of our stakeholders and communities is our priority and we are committed to starting the 2020-21 season when it is safe to do so. We know that this is difficult news for many of our players, fans, billets, parents, staff and teams. However, the restrictions both provincially in Ontario as well as nationally with regards to cross-border travel have informed our decision.
"On behalf of the OHL, we wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season and we look forward to dropping the puck when we safely start the 2020-21 season."
Adam Dennis, general manager with the North Bay Battalion, was disappointed but understands and respects the latest setback.
"We kind of take everything in stride," Dennis told BayToday.
"This whole time, you have to audible at the line every time and this situation is no different. I think this one you could forecast a little bit just with the provincial lockdowns. I know the league is doing everything they can to try and get us back to some sort of game competition but right now we are just not able to do so based on the government regulations."
However, Dennis says he remains optimistic and does not want Battalion fans and supporters to give up on the season just yet.
