The Ontario Hockey League intends to make its return on Feb. 4, but how that return will look in practice may need to be different from what fans and players are accustomed to.
On Friday, shortly after the Ontario provincial government reaffirmed its stance that bodychecking and deliberate physical contact would not take place during sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic, OHL commissioner David Branch said the league will follow the results of scientific studies in crafting its return-to-play plan, but did not align his position fully with the province’s mandate.
“If there’s studies that really, clearly state that body contact is a contributor to the spread of the virus, then obviously we’ll have to look at it,” Branch said during an appearance on Sportsnet 590 THE FAN’s Writers Bloc. “But we’ve not looked at it yet.” Lisa MacLeod, Ontario’s minister of sport, made clear in her Friday announcement solidifying the bodychecking ban, and in subsequent follow-up Tweets on the topic, that the mandate was an important part of playing sport during the COVID-19 era — and was not negotiable.
“Not just in the OHL, not just in hockey in general, but in all sports,” MacLeod said during a speech delivered to the Empire Club of Canada. “We’re in a very serious game right now and the reality is we have to take those public health precautions.”released by the province that outlines best-practices for individuals and organizations during this stage of Ontario’s pandemic response, “prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports” is not permitted..
What scientific studies! Face offs are more likely to transmit the virus than a bodycheck. Can’t wait for the stick swinging events!
Such a joke! So than when they come to the NHL they have their heads down and get rocked by an NHL DMAN? Yea great route, not!
brianlilley It is not about the contact. The OHL is looking for funding. They know they won’t play without the contact. It’s an easy way to get out of funding without saying no. The govt of Quebec gave each franchise 1 million to sustain them.
Not only that, but they have to put their gloves ON to fight!
Why don’t they just regulate taking the puck away.
I for one am pleased to see Mr. Branch is prepared to break the law during an international pandemic. Three cheers for old time hockey!
This is a mistake what is going to happen when the OHL rep goes to the Memorial Cup where body checking is allowed the OHL will get destroyed this is a real bad idea ,has the person who implemented this ever play hockey?
Body checking increases injury rates, meaning players would then be further exposed to virus in urgent care settings. Furthermore, as hospitalizations increase, added strain on all medical systems should be minimized. Removing body checking does that.
This is a f%$& joke!!! The virus has every opportunity to spread during a hockey game on the ice and dressing rooms that eliminating body contact is completely unnecessary. How does hitting increase the chances of catching Covid?!?!?
We all need to stop listening to the Gov. they have been wrong from the start. Move on with your life, and do not do this to the game.
Let’s have team pilon races to determine winners. OHLHockey
The OHL should just cancel the season then.
brianlilley Start the season as normal, full arenas, take the ticket from bylaw every game and practice, then take them all to court . They will all be withdrawn as they are Charter violations and there is plenty of data and science to back up that this is a Scamdemic
Just another hockey mom who doesn't want little Jimmy to get hurt. The government needs to keep their noses out of it. If the NFL can have full contact no reason the OHL can't do the same... Keep the Nanny State out of it...
There’s a few months to go before Feb arrives . Lots can change by then but not sure why announcing this now does anything positive. But I will say if you can’t incorporate checking, just cancel the season.
brianlilley 'Science'-Hillarious.
Government can keep out of it.
notHockey
Welcome to Democratic socialism aka socialism. Sick of the government controlling your life yet folks?
brianlilley CFL will come back without tackling.
Covid is brutal on the under 19 crowd...
All Players boycott OHLHockey get a release to play elsewhere
This is downright stupid 🙄! You'll be more exposed and be in closer proximity to one or more players for longer periods of time just battling for a puck in a corner while a body check is instantaneous and players are almost immediately separated after a hit.
brianlilley Matthews 34 should play here ..right at home
Shame on you Ontario
Ridiculous! Does the sports minister even know how hockey works? 😡
brianlilley Oh ffs Ford has gone full stupid liberal. 🤦♀️
What a joke of a league. Totally embarrassing. I feel bad for the players. Time for the players to move to the W or somewhere they can actually play
The dumbest idea ever!
I would have scored 200 goals without checking. Head down, stick handling wonder....lol. I’m just joking. I’d still have sucked.
The O is now the Q
brianlilley The no bodychecking thing is dumb. A bodycheck is on type of momentary contact. Eliminating ot does not prevent a myraid of other close physical encouters, many of which will involve sustained close contact.
brianlilley Who the hell does OHLHockey think it is?
brianlilley They should play naked I guess - just to be sure.
brianlilley It's gonna be a loooong winter.
brianlilley If Ford et al. were following the 'results of scientific studies in crafting its return-to-play plan' they never would have closed a single business because the 'pandemic' is a fraud and has been from day one.
What is the medical science behind said decision?
ShansBoomstick if they're going to take out a integral part of the game, then just don't bother with having a season.
There is more risk walking around a dressing room pre game and post game. Not to mention showers and toilets.
What a joke.
What scientific studies?
What is the government position on current Junior leagues playing exhibition games?
It’s none her fuckung business...votefordout
Just more undermining of our society, our way of life and western civilization and democracy
Everyone. Its just for one season. Get over it and move on.
The OHLHockey needs to ignore MacLeodLisa (She’s been deplorable w her words in this conservative gov’t) ..and listen to the real scientists & medical experts on safety precautions. fordnation
Then what’s the point?
ShansBoomstick This is an absolute fucking joke, I’m not gonna lie
ShansBoomstick Why even play
SRC9596
ShansBoomstick This is stupid
Government shouldn’t dictate sports. Period.
ShansBoomstick N o t r e a l h o c k e y
ShansBoomstick
just dont play this is beyond dumb government has no right to tell a sports league how to play period they should fight back not give in to poltiics that is what this is not about health and safety no other league anywhere had to do this vote these idiots out who did this
Bodycheck or face to face on a face-off. I’m not a scientist, but I’m not sure how this helps.
the OHL players should go to Europe
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