Open letter to All Supporters of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (the “OJHL”)

Hockey is an integral part of the Canadian fabric. Ontario has always been and remains today right at the epicentre of all things hockey in this country. Without any hesitation whatsoever, hockey is the greatest game in sport. It is the source of inspiration to so many – players, families, coaches, volunteers, fans and sponsors alike. Right across Ontario hockey brings communities together.

The global pandemic known as COVID-19 has presented challenges never seen or experienced by modern society. So many people have lost their lives and have been profoundly impacted by the ravages of this dreadful disease. To all of the front-line and essential workers who have gone above and beyond, often around the clock and at great personal sacrifice, to keep all of us safe – while a hearty thank you is not nearly enough for what you have done over the last six months – please know and understand we do not forget and intend to dedicate the season that lies ahead to you.

The game of hockey has not been immune to the challenges presented by COVID-19. Until such time as a vaccine is found, and is readily available and successfully deployed across Canadian society, the risks associated with this disease will remain with us all. COVID-19 has created a unique series of challenges to all facets of Canadian society. Hockey, like much of most segments within Canadian society, closed on March 12, 2020 with no known date for return. While the situation is still evolving, the OJHL continues to work around the clock with its various national, provincial, team and community partners to prepare for a safe return to programming with the necessary measures to mitigate against the known risks associated with COVID-19.

Today, for the first time since mid-March, we have taken the formal step of confirming our plan for the return of hockey in a planned and methodical gradual phased-in approach. The plan has been developed over many months and has involved the input of a vast array of resources with the unwavering support of Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (the “CJHL”) and the Ontario Hockey Association (the “OHA”), and the ultimate approval of the Ontario Hockey Federation. The level of co-operation and co-ordination has been unprecedented.

The OJHL’s return to play is fundamentally aligned with all of the mandatory requirements set out within the Ontario Government’s “Framework for the Reopening of Ontario” (https://www.ontario.ca/) and meets (and in many cases exceeds!) the requirements of local municipalities and the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association where teams in the OJHL play. Safety is of paramount concern within the OJHL – nothing takes precedence over safety and our record is very clear on that issue! We remain ready, willing, able and agile to respond to any developments in connection with COVID-19 and all applicable Provincial Public Health direction.

Since mid-March, the OJHL has looked forward to the day that our game returned and that day now seems imminent. Thanks to all of our teams, the many communities we serve across Ontario and the legion of volunteers who have unconditionally and without reservation stepped up to help ready us for this day. To all of you, thanks for your unwavering commitment to and all you do day in and day out for the benefit of junior hockey. You have made an indelible contribution to the return of our game. To Hockey Canada, the OHA and the CJHL, a special thanks is also in order for your hard work behind the scenes to make the return to play a reality.

To our teams, governors, players, staff, families and volunteers, thank you for your patience and support throughout. We know this has been a very anxious period for you and has been incredibly difficult in many unimagined ways, recognizing the importance that hockey plays in your lives. Finally, to Marty Savoy and all staff at the OJHL, as well as to my fellow board members, thanks for the hundreds of hours you have spent over the past 6 months responding to this time of unprecedented challenge and your hard work on developing a robust and multi-faceted return-to-play plan - your unwavering commitment to the advancement of junior hockey in Ontario and your unrelenting desire to see hockey return to communities across Ontario is a shining light for what is possible when, through principled leadership, you decide to think and plan strategically.

Please follow us at http://ojhl.pointstreaksites.com/view/ojhl and for all updates on our return to play. Thank you for your patience, support and encouragement throughout and helping to make the OJHL the best Junior “A” hockey league in Canada.

Yours in hockey,

ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

Marc Mercier

Chairman