Earlier this week, the QMJHL announced that the schedule has been paused until the middle of January, when it’s possible the league returns in a pod format. Four cities will likely host games from Jan. 22-24. There will be more pod games beginning on Jan. 29.
Additionally, the OHL announced this week that their regular-season start has been postponed into January as well, in large part due to the closure of the U.S.-Canada border extending until at least January 21.
“Until the virus is significantly more under control everywhere around the world, we’re not going to be releasing the restrictions at the border,” said Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a press briefing in early December.
The OHL was opening to begin its season on Dec. 1 with a 64-game schedule planned. The league announced in October that the schedule was modified into January.
The WHL also announced a delay in its season start, which was originally set for Jan. 8.
“Given the public health restrictions that are currently in effect, we are not in a position to determine a new target date for our season,” WHL commissioner Ron Robison said in a prepared statement. “We will continue to consult with health authorities to determine when it is safe and responsible to get our season started.”