Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “.
The Ontario Hockey League, or O.H.L., is now known as the ” On Hold League “.
The OHL’s hand was forced and last week they formally announced the upcoming season would be delayed. Again.
This isn’t criticism of the league whatsoever; they really had no choice.
With a league makeup including 3 American based teams at Erie, Flint and Saginaw the ongoing closure of the international border was a major obstacle.
A bigger obstacle was the escalating number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario.
When Ontario designated regions by color in terms of coronavirus, more than half the league centres were ” grey “, ” red ” or ” orange “, representing the most severely impacted areas.
Furthermore, the facility in which the Owen Sound Attack play their home games, the Harry Lumley-Bayshore Community Centre, remains as a field hospital.
This latest setback, is just that, a setback in the eyes of OHL leaders.
Commissioner David Branch stated firmly that the OHL fully intends on operating this season.
When asked about the possibility of a drop dead date to cancel the season, Attack General Manager Dale DeGray quickly related there has been no such talk.
Which is good to hear.
However, the reality is the outcome or conclusion of this saga is totally out of the hands of the Ontario Hockey League and sits squarely under the guidance and direction of government and health officials.
I want an OHL season, but the potential exists it may not come to pass.
I’m Fred Wallace