OHL can't return with on-ice contact, says government official

Ontario government official Lisa MacLeod said Wednesday that the OHL must take a series of steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 in order to return, including eliminating physical contact among players.

"It would be safe to say that body contact, unless it's incremental, will not be permitted as a result of COVID-19," MacLeod said, according to The Canadian Press. "That would pose a challenge in terms of how they amend their play."

The OHL canceled its 2019-20 season after the initial pandemic pause and is currently targeting a December start date for the 2020-21 campaign. MacLeod mentioned the government and league are "in constant contact" as they try to find a solution.

The league announced it will not comment on the ongoing negotiations.