There has been a lot of talk recently about the return of the Ontario Hockey League and a lack of contact and body checking.
Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby says when it comes to the return of the GOJHL or PJHL, he really hasn’t put much thought into it.
“I have a set of general rules with regard to that sort of thing, and some of the eligibility to play will depend on the new provincial framework and what level we actually are,” Colby says. “I know there are discussions with Parks and Rec about this, and there is a feeling that we want to do everything we can to help with the ability to play.”
Colby admits the idea of any type of body contact or heavy breathing is very problematic.
“When you’re talking about full body contact in an era when we’re trying to get everybody to stay six feet away from everyone, but that logistic of discussion is happening within the in the hockey world more so than in the health sector.”
Technically, all junior hockey return to play plans require approval from government and local public health officials, however Colby says it’s more of a case where he potentially could deny the right to play rather than give the go-ahead.
Colby says he hasn’t heard from either the GOJHL or PJHL recently to discuss the issue.
The PJHL is eyeing December 1st as a return date and the GOJHL has a tentative start date of December 2nd for its 2020-21 season.
At this point, neither league has released any kind of schedule for the upcoming season.
