North Bay Battalion fans are circling December 1st on the calendar.

That’s when the league is planning to return to play, subject to ensuring players, fans, staff and community are able to play and attend games safely.

Battalion General Manager Adam Dennis tells BayToday the players and staff are excited.

“We are all creatures of habit so the unknown was kind of the toughest thing and understanding that there are still a lot of things to figure out, it is nice to have a solid date so you can start to plan some things and really get into the preparations,” he says.

Some of the unknowns include when training camp will be, the number of players that can be involved and the actual schedule.

“The willingness and the flexibility of everyone in our game to get back and have a little bit of normalcy they not really too big concerns, we’re ready for whatever is thrown at us and excited for the opportunity to play,” he tells BayToday.

In a release the League says that over the next four months they will continue to work with government and health agencies to finalize outstanding issues like safe attendance at venues and cross border travel for teams and players.

“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,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch in 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.”

The season will include a 64-game schedule and a 16-team playoff format.

The regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday April 29, 2021.

The 102nd Memorial Cup is scheduled to be played June 17-27, 2021 and will be hosted by either the Oshawa Generals or Soo Greyhounds.

 

(File photo by station staff)

 

Filed under: North Bay Battalion, Ontario Hockey League