NOJHL outlines its 'Return To Play' strategy for upcoming hockey season

NORTH BAY — The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) has released its initial ‘Return to Play’ outline for the 2020-21 season.

While it has traditionally been the plan, in previous years, for the NOJHL and its member teams to start daily operations mid-August and have regular-season games typically starting in early-September, those options have currently been delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The league is implementing ‘Return to Play Policies and Procedures’ which are aimed at player, staff and fan safety.

In a statement on its website, the NOJHL says it is working closely with all relevant authorities to assist in starting up new normal operations for the upcoming season.

The NOJHL says it has developed several potential start dates for the beginning of the 2020-21 regular season, including as early as October 15, pending approval from all respective authorities.

"In the meantime, the safety of the athlete and support staff remains at the forefront," the league says.

The league plans on focussing on a return to play policy for players and staff safety and look towards player development in accordance with all applicable provincial and municipal regulations.

"The NOJHL Board of Directors are first and foremost committed to the safety of not only our players, but all of the support staff of our clubs and the people in the communities we play in," said commissioner Robert Mazzuca.

As part of the league’s ‘Return to Play’ guidelines, the NOJHL has developed a two-phase process that will allow players to get back to the ice.

The first phase would include a return to skills, drills and conditioning.

The NOJHL says it believes there is a unique opportunity for U-18 and U-16 aged players to participate during on-ice sessions.

A second phase will be set once the government approves training camp start dates as well as the regular season.

The full season would begin once approval has been provided by the provincial government and the Ontario Hockey Federation.

"It has been six long months without competition, but while we want to get back to having our clubs play hockey, it remains difficult in the face of so much uncertainty," said Mazzuca.

"We are confident that the league will be ready when all necessary approvals have been given, which will allow the players to safely get back on the ice and begin focusing on skills, training and development as a prelude to the 2020-21 season."

The NOJHL states that it is committed to providing its teams, players, staff, volunteers, fans and municipal leaders with regular updates as they occur.

"Our goal to do is proceed with plenty of forethought and planning, in a manner that is compliant with all applicable health and hockey authorities involved," said Mazzuca.

Further updates on the NOJHL’s ‘Return to Play’ guidelines will be announced once they become available.