The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced Friday that it is planning to return to play on Oct. 1, 2020.
The announcement, which came in a league media release, follows positive dialogue with provincial governments and public health agencies.
Since the 2019-20 season and the President Cup playoffs were cancelled in March, the commissioner's office has been preparing a sustainable return-to-play protocol to ensure a safe environment for players, team staffs, fans and communities.
Over the past several weeks, the league has had a continued dialogue with government officials and public health agencies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec to propose a plan in line with public health directives and guidelines.
To begin the season Oct. 1st, with training camps and return-to-school deadlines coming up at end of August, the league had to decide on whether or not to start the season.
The league’s mission is to develop players, both academically and athletically, while providing the safest possible environment. Given the urgency of the situation, and in line with our mission, the members voted in favour of returning to play.
Following conversations with the provincial governments and public health agencies, it has been determined that the upcoming season will be played behind closed doors in Quebec while details are currently still being discussed for the Maritimes.
Training camps will open Aug. 30 and teams will be limited to 34 invitees. The regular season will include a 60-game schedule and the league will be divided into three divisions.
All regular-season games will be played within six-team divisions while the playoff format will be announced later in December.
The 102nd Memorial Cup, presented by Kia, is scheduled to be played from June 17 to 27, 2021, in Oshawa or Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
