The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League has announced it will be pausing season games until the end of the month.
Late Tuesday evening, GOJHL officials confirmed the province has mandated a pause of all regular season games starting January 5, until January 26 as part of the return to a modified Step 2 of the province's Reopening Plan.
"We are following the mandated direction from the Ontario Government and will announce all potential scenarios once finalized by our members. Completing our full 2021-22 GOJHL regular season and playoff schedule safely is our top priority," said GOJHL Commissioner Brent Garbutt in a release issued Tuesday night.
The league said it is also finalizing plans to prepare for possible scenarios the pandemic, the Omicron variant, and the provincial restrictions, could present past January 26.
Potential plans including possible plans for a rescheduled showcase will be released once more details are available.
"We wish the Ontario government would continue to review the many sport organizations, including the GOJHL, who have implemented comprehensive safety plans and mandatory vaccinations for the opportunity to have our athletes continue to work towards their professional and educational aspirations by being designated as an Elite Amateur League," Garbutt added.
Ontario will head back to a modified Step 2 beginning Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. until January 26.
https://twitter.com/GOJHL/status/1478556084403064839