It’s official; there will be no competitive Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (junior ‘B’) competitive regular season in 2020-21. The word came down from February 20 from EOJHL interim commissioner Matthew Couvrette.

Teams have been given the green light to resume practices and intra-club scrimmages (with only one opponent) only.

Couvrette states…

“As happy as we are to announce that we will be returning, we must be transparent in stating that there will be no 2020-2021 EOJHL regular season. Given the current regulations, it is not feasible to get the semblance of a season before the spring. In this very unprecedented time, we believe it is essential to offer programing to the players giving them every opportunity to further develop, as well as provide the physical and mental relief that so many of us so need at this time. With our focus on player development for the remainder of 2021, each of our member teams will have the time to build on their programs and be ready to return to the ice for the 2021-2022 season better than ever.
We want to take this time to thank all of our the volunteers, staff, players, families and teams that have put so much time, effort and money into making this season what it has been. This season has not been ideal by any means, but we were able to provide an outlet in this difficult time and for that I truly thank you for all your past, current and future efforts as we move forward as a league.
We will be back next year, stronger, together.

The EOJHL last played competitively in March 2020, when the schedule was suspended in the early stages of playoff action.

In the fall, teams were eventually permitted to return to the ice under strict health and safety guidelines. The clubs were then allowed to schedule non-contact, modified scrimmages with one other team. For example, the Alexandria Glens were matched up with the Char-Lan Rebels (Williamstown).

With the resumption of scrimmage action, clubs have been assigned a different opponent. In the case of the Rebels, they will be tangling with the Winchester Hawks.

Modified scrimmage schedule for the Char-Lan Rebels and Winchester Hawks. (Rebels graphic)

In the schedule above, Char-Lan’s home games are in italics and will be held at the Char-Lan Rec. Centre in Williamstown. COVID-19 health and safety protocols will again be in place, with limited spectator tickets available by advance purchase.

For the Alexandria Glens, their opponent will be the Casselman Vikings. The Glens returned to the ice Saturday for a workout, as they prepare for their upcoming scrimmage series.

hockey — The Alexandria Glens return to the ice for the first time in 2021. (Glens photo)

The team’s first scrimmage action is booked for March 4 in Casselman.

More games are expected to be confirmed throughout March as ice is available.

Felix returns home

Felix Sauve, of Alexandria, is returning home, set to play the remainder of the season with the junior ‘B’ Glens. The 18-year-old defenceman had been skating with the Hawkesbury Hawks of the CCHL (junior ‘A’). He spent last season with the Hawks as well, suiting up for 52 games.

On his joining the Glens, Sauve tells me, “Feels pretty good to be able to finish the season with them. Should be fun to catch up with some long-time friends.”

The D-man previously played 14 games with Alexandria’s junior ‘B’ squad over the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, recording 4 points.

On his time with the Hawks this winter, Sauve says, “I was having a great start to the season in Hawkesbury, playing lots. With times being so unpredictable [due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic], I decided to take a position at Alexandria Moulding not knowing if the [competitive hockey season] was going to start up again.” As for the future, he wants to keep his hockey options open.

Saturday marked his return to the ice for the first time in over a month. He tells me he really is looking forward to the return of game action in Casselman on Thursday.

sportguysean’s hat trick

Junior B hockey league officially nixes…