This is an interesting strategy.
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) will not allow bodychecking this coming season. The decision comes based off of several COVID-19 outbreaks in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Lisa MacLeod, Ontario's minister of sport, said that "removing physical contact from the game was a necessary step to preventing the spread of COVID-19."
What's of note here is that it's not the OHL making this decision, but rather the Ontario government making the call.
Our public health officials have been clear - prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports is not permitted. We will continue to work with @OHLHockey on a safe return to play. https://t.co/GO4BitTa0K pic.twitter.com/gKcnFDXHMh
— Lisa MacLeod (@MacLeodLisa) October 30, 2020
It will be tough to enforce, and it's difficult to picture what the games will look like. The OHL is currently planning on starting their season on February 4th.
