The provincial government has asked the Ontario Hockey League for proposals on how fans could safely attend games during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a recent stop in Sarnia, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Lisa MacLeod said every return-to-sport plan they make is contingent upon public health.
"We're looking forward to supporting them," said MacLeod. "We've had conversations with MLSE as well as others around the NHL, and they have a vested interest in making sure that the OHL succeeds because they are their largest recruitment organization. Certainly, we're proud of the players and the teams that we have around the league."
MacLeod said they can better assess the situation now that all of the province is into Stage 3 of the reopening plan -- Windsor-Essex was the final area to be allowed to move to Stage 3.
The minister said they had a great meeting with OHL Commissioner David Branch a couple of weeks ago.
"We've asked them for their proposals and we've asked them to see what a return to play will look like for them. If and when or how there will be fans in the stands and how we might support them otherwise, so a number of ideas have been percolating," she said.
Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Lisa MacLeod making a funding announcement at Andrew S. Brandt Marina at Sarnia Bay.
The OHL announced earlier this month that it hopes to start a 64-game schedule for each team on December 1, with enhanced safety measures in place for fans and American-based teams.
Normally, a 68-game schedule begins in late September.
The playoff format remains unchanged with the top eight teams from each conference making the postseason.
The regular season is scheduled to end on April 29, 2021.
-With files from Colin Gowdy
