Truro, N.S. (July 2, 2020) – In reviewing and analyzing the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) and its twelve member teams are preparing to return to the ice this fall.
A task force was created in the early stages of the pandemic to develop various scenarios for a return to play. This group has been paying particular attention as provincial governments and health authorities have released directives to ease health restrictions and re-open their economy in the past few weeks. The MHL will continue to communicate with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Hockey Canada, various levels of government, and other stakeholders to review the latest information and plan for the future.
The task force, along with the MHL’s partners, are in the process of working out final details of a Return to Play manual to submit to provincial health authorities and other stakeholders. The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of players, fans, and staff.
The league has set a target of October 2nd, 2020 for a start date, which is contingent on the necessary approvals from each provincial government and health authority in the Maritimes. The MHL is committed to a full 52-game schedule for 2020-21. A key part of a return to play is spectator capacity in each community. The MHL is a fan-driven league, and it’s critical that the league be able to welcome fans back to their local rink when the 2020-21 season begins.
The MHL thanks its partners, sponsors, and fans for their support throughout this pandemic. The league is looking forward to continuing to contribute to the fabric of the communities and surrounding areas that follow and support its franchises and bring exciting hockey action back to the Maritimes.
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Media Contact:
James Faulkner
Director of Communications
Maritime Hockey League
jfaulkner@themhl.ca