QMJHL announces plans to return to play in October

Gilles Courteau, QMJHL commissioner. (Peter McCabe/CP)

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced Friday that it plans to return to play on Oct. 1 after “positive dialogue” with provincial governments and public health agencies.

In March, the remainder of the season, the ensuing playoffs and the Memorial Cup were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To allow for an Oct. 1 season start date, training camps will open Aug. 30 and be limited to 34 invitees per team.

The regular season will include a 60-game schedule and the league will be divided into three divisions (as opposed to the usual four). All regular season games will be played within the six-team divisions, while the playoff format will be announced in December.

Last week, both the Ontario Hockey League and Western Hockey League announced their intent to begin their seasons in December.

The 102nd Memorial Cup is scheduled to be played from June 17-27, 2021, in Oshawa or Sault St. Marie.

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